You can prepare as much as you want. Even if it's the universal truth that no one escapes from at the end of the day. When it happens....you just can't really make sense of it. The departure of one.
Even when you're told of every contributing factor that amounted to the end result...how do you reconcile it? How do you reconcile it within yourself to live on with that significant, physically permanent change from here on?
I personally can't figure it out. Which is why for the times I witness a younger person having to endure and go through the particular season, it breaks my heart and leave me befuddled. Sometimes even awestruck. For a person who's been around shorter than I have...how did they ever find the strength and will to cope? How do they ever do what I can never imagine myself to do?
Perhaps, it's largely to do with the fact that my family is yet to be saved. I can't imagine living with the agony of seeing them depart not having known my savior. And I guess even if they do, that pain...unfamiliar yet natural to all mankind...is gonna take all out of me.
We always hear people wishing departed ones to rest in peace. But for those who go with the hope of Christ, they are in peace...in the place of hope that no one can ever steal from. Rather...I think it's the ones left behind needing it. The need to be at rest, in peace.
So, here's to you. Rest in peace, in the firm foundational promise of our Lord that He holds and sustains every moment of our life, and that there is that final day, to look forward to.
-------------------------------------
[I can only imagine] - 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
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 Halelluja,
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine when that day comes
And 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
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 Halelluja,
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine, yeah
I can only imagine
I can only imagine, yeah, yeah, yeah
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 Halelluja,
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine, yeah
I can only imagine, yeah, yeah
I can only imagine, Yeah
I can only imagine
I can only imagine, Ohh yeah
I can only imagine
I can only imagine when all I will do
is forever, forever worship you
I can only imagine