Saturday, February 11, 2012

Forgiveness and death

I like to think I avoid death (like the plague). I hate it. There is sadness and hurt there that has no earthly cure or comfort. Even the death of my enemies is going to make someone cry. Any rejoicing in death is probably selfish.
This post is really in response to one of those thoughts that gets inspired by another's comment when I am not usually within access to jotting my thoughts down for further musing.
So, to Debra: I saw my Aunt Andrea's response to your posting. I don't know any circumstances, so I can only infer. Nothing I can say will take away your sadness.  But I do wish to offer you a few words of hope. Continue to share the tears and embrace of friends and family.
Forgiveness is toughest when we have to find it within ourselves. There isn't much if any there. Forgiveness can't be earned either. But it is paid for. Jesus did all the forgiving this world needs. All I need. All you need. All Anna needs. Even all BH needs. Jesus paid for the forgiveness of the world with death. His death doesn't make me sad. I don't hate it. I am relieved. It means life. 
Anna's death at 19 was too soon. Had she lived happily until she was 91 it would still be too soon. Death is just wrong. But death for the Christian is like being sent to bed early when you wanted to go play with your friends past the sunset. We know it isn't fair. We know we can't do anything about it but sleep. But the Resurrection is like Jesus saying at sun rise, "Wake up! Have I got a fantastic day planned for us."
All those things she wanted to do are not ended. They will simply have to wait. She like the rest of us will have to wait. In the scheme of eternity, the wait won't be long.