Treasure

The day after Columbus Day, 1992, my dad went home to be with Jesus. Two days prior to Independence Day, 1996, Joan's dad joined him there. Two days after Easter, 2005 my mom celebrated with them around the throne. And the day after Valentine's Day this year, Joan's mom completed the circle. Interesting, isn't it- grief and celebrations- they often surround each other, crowd into each other, follow on the heels of each other. Most of these deaths were immediately preceded or followed closely by a family wedding or the birth of a grandchild or a birthday party for someone in the family- usually a grandchild. Treasured moments. Not easily forgotten. Not meant to be.

Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Joan and I have noticed that ever since October 13, 1992, our hearts are more and more turned toward heaven. I'd preached about it for years- but never from my heart. Sadly, we preachers can do that, you know. But for the past nineteen years, our hearts, our dreams, our passions are lodged in the heavenlies.  As our daughter Laurie said regarding her firstborn son, "I just can't take my eyes off him, dad." We can't take our eyes off HIM. Him. The One around whose throne our parents now celebrate. And so it is: our treasures (those we love and hold dear) are in heaven; consequently, so are our hearts. Jesus spoke truth. Should that surprise us? Even so, come Lord Jesus!