A couple of weeks ago, I woke up in the wee hours of the morning with the following words in my heart: “How I long to breathe the air of heaven – where pain is gone, and mercy fills the streets.” They continued repeating until I finally sat up and wrote them down. When I got up for the day, I plugged the words into Google and discovered this line was from Hymn of Heaven by Phil Wickham, as he sang about the day when death will be no more.
Wow, it made me think of Melanie. I don’t know about you, but do you wonder what your loved ones are doing in Heaven? Do you wonder what it’s like there? I do. I long for the day when death will be no more and we will all be together with our loved ones.
Since our knowledge about Heaven is relatively limited, I imagine what it might look like. Then, I try to envision what my daughter might be seeing or doing. I’ve noticed advertisements for a movie called, After Death, which is coming out in theaters at the end of this week. The movie is based upon one of the best books I’ve read since Melanie died, Imagine Heaven by John C. Burke. I’m looking forward to checking it out over the weekend.
As I contemplate the first few words of Hymn of Heaven that alone brings me a sense of peace and comfort. Knowing Melanie is in a place where pain is gone, and that she is fully healed from the awful disease that robbed her of a long life, helps me with her absence from this world.
While continuing to listen, the next verse says, “There will be a day when death will be no more.” Can you take a moment to think about that, my friends? Our loved ones are living pain-free and in a place where mercy fills the streets – and one day, death will be no more. Which means we will finally all be together again. Now, that is a day I look forward to!
Death and grief are challenging journeys. Yet, we who remain here are here for a reason. One day, I hope to hear my girl say, “I saw you, Mama. You made the best of every day I’ve been gone. Honoring me and my memory, sharing love and hope despite your broken heart.” God isn’t done with us yet and until that day comes let us try to do all possible to live the best life we can until we can hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
I hope you’ll take a moment to listen to this song and let the encouraging words sink deep into your heart. We are doing our best, and our loved ones are cheering us on.
Thank you for this post. One line in particular has helped me through a challenging time:
“You made the best of every day I’ve been gone”
Your compassion and purposeful determination are inspiring. I SO appreciate you!!
💜🫂💜