My Nephew Steve's Homecoming in Heaven on February 23, 2011

I'm like all other earth-bound people I know - we all get extremely attached to our family and friends and want to have them around us as long as possible. But as a Christian I know that life here on earth is but an eye blink in time and that what awaits the believer in heaven not only far outshines our earthly home and experiences but it lasts for eternity.

It is for that reason that my sadness today is only for those of us who are still earth-bound and will greatly miss this fine man, even though our time apart from him will be temporary. I have joy in my heart for Steve as I think of those who were at the gate to usher him in to the heavenly Kingdom and of the splendor and majesty surrounding him today as he walks with the Master.

The doctors completed the surgery yesterday, but were unable to close because Steve had begun to bleed extensively. Drugs and transfusions could not stop the bleeding, and because of the miracle of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, Steve had his homecoming in heaven at 9:30 p.m. last evening.

Here are the words of a song that is close to my heart:

I Can Only Imagine, by MercyMe

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side

I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me
I can only imagine

I can only imagine

[Chorus:]
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
When I find myself
Standing in the Son

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine

I can only imagine

[Chorus]

I can only imagine [x2]

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you

I can only imagine

To listen to this beautiful song as recorded by MercyMe, click here.
For more videos by MercyMe, including one of the song "I Can Only Imagine" being performed live, click here.

My heartfelt thanks to my YCN friends for their messages of support and prayers - I further marvel that prayer knows no boundaries, and that friendships can develop over the internet between total strangers who are sharing space in this universe during this eye blink in time. In fact, there is no end to the number of things about which I can only imagine!

For reference, see: My Nephew is Being Given an Artificial Aorta (Dacron!) Today