Standing at The Welcome Window

Tomorrow I will make a drive up north to visit a friend (I call him 'dad') finding himself at the welcome window under hospice care along with his bride of some 70 plus years (I call her 'mom').  I call them 'mom' and 'dad' not because I don't have wonderful parents.  I love and appreciate greatly, my real mom and dad.  But their title is bestowed because they have become spiritual parents for this soul, 'dad' clearly demonstrating to me the humility of a God inspired man, living corporate life with integrity.

The Dunbars are parents of dear friends Carrie and I met at our past church.  Warren and Val lived very close to a place I found myself working summers and holidays, with Dr. Michael Klein, at JPL.  For many years, I had the keys to their home and with a simple phone call was given green light to stay at the Dunbar hotel, gratis.  I would always look around for repairs I could make to their home, or be given task by their daughter and son-in-law to work on computer or help 'mom' with computer tutoring.  'Dad' loves science and we had many conversations about what we were 'up to' in radio astronomy.  He was thrilled one project I worked on had a focus involving school kids as part of the research.  'Mom' has a great love for overseas mission work and it fostered my continued movement as I eventually found myself heading to Croatia and Bosnia on such endeavors.  For me, the Dunbars have a great one two punch and I have found myself endeared as a member and 'pastor' to the family through the waves life would bring them.

Warren is a solid man of God.  A retired Banker, he and his wonderful bride, Val, have worked together using their gifts, talents and money to invest in the great works of our King's Kingdom.  'Dad' mixed his passion for geology and stone cutting to make and sell jewelry with 100% of all money (not just proceeds) sent to the field.  'Mom' also uses her gift for  creating watercolor images with the same sales ethic as her hubby.  Frequently poised, draped from Carrie's neck and ears, are many of 'dad's' works while our home is also beautified with plenty of 'moms' watercolors.  A few are gifts, but most were purchased in support of missionaries.  'Mom' and 'dad' blesses as God blessed them, and He  blesses them with much in many ways.

Missions overseas was primary to them, making sure when missionaries returned home and were in their neck of the woods, or in the states, they still felt well supported and cared for.  They also have networked with many out in the field with care packages and love.  They partnered with me on my overseas investments into the lives of others as well.  Quietly, humbly and devotedly this couple demonstrates to this heart, the power of God unveiled through His children, for His mighty glory.

I lead a grief recovery program at my church and one statement I use is, "If we didn't love much, it wouldn't hurt much. The more we love, the more we miss the one we loved as they move off planet."  The real important question would seem, "Would you rather have not loved or been loved to escape this pain?"  Only a fool would answer "Yes",  because it is love and the deepest relationships that bring exceeding joy, huge deposits of comfort and meaning into our lives, and face it, the harder we grieve the more clear its wake indicates the importance that person had, in life, for us.  For some, deep angst in grief could rise from guilt, their lack of attention to a relationship they cherished but never took time to continue investment, left unsolvable because now, they are gone.  But hopefully for most, our grief rests on the laurels of deep, rich, meaningful love.

Sure, I have lost many I love in my life, and it does sting.  Two things bring great comfort into this heart as I press through the joys and sadness which visit with great regularity; 1. my faith, 2. deep and wonderful relationships I have with friends and family.  In a way, I have chosen to move through life such that a loss of any friend or family member will have monumental impact, great sorrow, in this heart and soul.  But, I am not without hope.

As I go to visit Warren and Val, I have confidence.  I am confident I can look into Warren's eyes and let him know of the incredible value and leadership God has allowed him forge in my life.  I am assured that I will see 'dad' again and that he will move forward toward and into ultimate freedom and rest whenever our LORD calls him home.  Sure, these eyes are welling up with tears as I ponder his absence as I write, tears of real sadness at the thought.  I will miss 'dad'...a lot.  I do not enjoy seeing him as his body fails, but I need to put closure for me and for him with my visit tomorrow.  I am hoping and praying for many more, fueling my fire of grief all the more as well, but I will not allow myself to live in regret.  I choose to drink deeply in this living together stuff.

None of us escape death.  In my blog, "The Bridge", we have a choice as we all head toward it.  The bridge will arrive on our path as we come to the end of our lives.  None of us knows when that will occur.  Many are unprepared for it's unexpected arrival.  Yet for some, they walk, with confidence, stepping on the bridge with freedom and joy.  Slowly they loose their grasp of those they love here looking forward to arriving on the other side of the bridge, waiting for a brief bit as those they love will join them there.

I have had opportunity to see many, toward the end of their lives, walk.   It is clear that 'dad' is walking as one who has great confidence in God, finding himself standing at the welcome window.  And for me?  It stings.  It hurts.  It isn't easy to think about.  But I know I will join my friends and this 'dad', tomorrow, hopefully other times and then someday soon in eternity with my LORD.  I grieve, but not as one without hope.  For one day soon, I, and I pray, the rest of my friends and family will find themselves in the same place as Warren, standing in line at the welcome window of heaven because we know Jesus and He acknowledges that He knows us.

Do you know you will be welcomed at the window to joyful eternity?  What assurances do you have?  Is it only based on 'your goodness'?  Are you confident that is enough?  How much weight will the disobedience and selfish desires hold in your balance of 'goodness'?  Are you sure you have a clear understanding of the weight of your ungodly actions in the past?