One year ago tomorrow, my Dad died while sitting in a chair. From the burdens that life brings, the Lord took him into the peaceful reality of eternity with Him. It is really difficult even reflecting on the morning I got that call. I had just reached the decision on the night before that I would not attend Dr. Adrian Rogers’ funeral in Memphis that was to take place on Thursday. In my heart, I just knew I was not to go. Little did I know that within hours I would understand the reason.

So as the sun rises tomorrow, it will be Dad’s first anniversary in heaven and Mom’s first without him by her side after the 55 years they had together. It was probably around 9:00 a.m. CST (we are not sure because he was alone) that Dad entered into his eternal reward. My reflection began last night in a greater way after talking with Mom. We knew this day was coming, but neither of us even mentioned it. We will, but not last night.

So our hearts must look upward tomorrow, upward to the plan of God with hearts filled with gratitude for the great life Dad was given on earth and his investment into each of our lives. There is a big picture we must gaze towards, the big picture only the Lord sees and one day we may see. We will gaze at that picture. We are Christians, committed followers of Jesus, and the one lesson death teaches you if you are a Christ follower is that we have hope.

Hey, tonight or tomorrow, just pray for Mom. Pray for God’s rest and peace to be in her heart. She is peaceful with God’s plan even though her heart aches over the loss to her personally and to our family. I will cling to the memories, thank God for the love and faithfulness, and know that one day I will see Dad again in heaven.

Until then, we are filled with hope. Have a blessed day, a day filled with hope. Hope for today, hope for tomorrow, and hope for eternity.

You are loved.