Some might say that 53-years-old is “too young” to die. While by most accounts it is sooner than expected, I’d like to share another perspective for you to consider. I find it helps me whenever my heart settles on this sentiment.
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
– Psalm 116:15
My daughter-in-law’s mom passed away recently after an arduous fight with cancer. I had the privilege of hearing her beloved children speak about her from the lectern at her funeral. I knew enough about her to know that their praise for their mom’s love for others was authentic and justified. She was a special person, indeed, with a brightness to her that filled rooms. As they intimated, this light came from within, from a place of love that can only be attributed back to Christ and the good news of salvation.
And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
– Mark 4:21-25
Her life was a light to others. She was a testimony to the grace of God and she poured her lovely heart into the hearts of others, not just in word, but in deed.
Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
– 1 John 3:18
I suppose my greatest regret is that I didn’t know her better. Even so, I knew her enough that I’m confident in her final place of rest. She really did love the Lord. She died with a sense of confidence that only a true believer can have. She didn’t want to leave her family, but she went in peace. I’m so happy for her. As my daughter-in-law shared with a tearful, knowing smile, “She’s been promoted.” What a wonderful way to think about the death of a child of God.
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
– John 14:1-7
While it’s been difficult to see her loved ones mourn their loss, I have been encouraged by the Word of God. My prayer is that her loved ones are comforted similarly. Just think of where she is right now.
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
– Revelation 21:4Life is short. Life is good. God says so.
I’m grateful for times like this. Death has a unique way of bringing into focus the things which matter most. As one of her children stated at the funeral, she always encouraged people to forgive one another to avoid wasting time on things that don’t really matter in this life. That’s wonderful advice coming from someone whose legacy was the life she lived as unto the Lord, who has forgiven us all so very much.
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
– Ephesians 4:32
I understand the sentiment that 53-years-old is young; but I say that life is measured by impact. It was said during the funeral that this woman was dedicated to her faith, her family, and her friends. Does it get any better than that, I ask? If that’s the testimony she’s left on this Earth for all of us to remember her by, then, by the grace of God, she went home to be with the Lord at just the right time.
Love in Christ,
Ed Collins