Face to Face

On Christmas day, 2017, a former co-worker met her Savior face to face.
It had to have been a joyous moment –
seeing the One who died for her so her sins could be forgiven,
the One who had gone to prepare a place for her.
She is experiencing what we someday hope to experience -
leaving behind her fears and failings, her disappointments, her work, her sickness and pain.
For her there is no more political instability, economic uncertainty, or threat of religious persecution. There is joy, peace, rest and delightful reunions with loved ones who passed on before her.
She worships at the throne of the One whose love never fails.

But for those who remain behind the place will not be same.
Every absence of a loved one leaves a void, a gap we can return to time and time again to remember, to mourn, to laugh, to reflect, to love.
Did we sometimes have different opinions about projects and procedures? Absolutely!
Did we sometimes disagree? You betcha!
But those times are forgotten and insignificant in light of the loss of a friend, a beloved peer.

So, entering into 2018 I take these thoughts with me:

1. Be present in the moment. We don’t know how many moments there will be.
2. Love those around me while overlooking petty differences.
3. Be a blessing to those whose lives intersect with mine.
4. Spend time with each other.
5. Do the important things.
6. Finish well.

Teena, you were loved and you will be missed, until we, too, see Him face to face.
We were blessed to know you.

The hymnwriter, Carrie E. Breck, expressed her thoughts this way:
in the hymn entitled, Face to Face, (1898).

Face to face with Christ, my Savior,
Face to face—what will it be,
When with rapture I behold Him,
Jesus Christ who died for me?
    
Refrain:
Face to face I shall behold Him,
Far beyond the starry sky;
Face to face in all His glory,
I shall see Him by and by!

What rejoicing in His presence,
When are banished grief and pain;
Death is swallowed up in vict’ry,
And the dark things shall be plain.

Face to face—oh, blissful moment!
Face to face—to see and know;
Face to face with my Redeemer,
Jesus Christ who loves me so.