Left Behind
by Edith Pont

"A wise person thinks much about death, while the fool thinks only about having a good time now." (NLT)

As I drove into the parking lot, I saw a small crowd of individuals standing outside the small chapel. I thought, what a beautiful night to be celebrating the death of a loved one. But as I walked in, I suddenly asked myself, "Is it a celebration?" After all, we experience death in different ways. For some, it may be a celebration to the life lived. For others, it's mourning the life they could have lived.
If we look at death as an end to life, then we have no hope. If we see death as the continuation of life, then we have hope. You may be asking yourself by now, what is she talking about? Simply put death gives us the ability to continue on with what others have left behind. Have you lost a loved one? If so, you may have experienced deep pain of not having your loved one in your life. You may have asked the question: "Why did God take him/her away?" This I cannot answer. What I can tell you is that if you hang on to the pain, it will be difficult for you to cherish and savor those beautiful, sweet and loving times you did have with your loved one.
God calls us to let go. This is terribly hard isn't it? As I stood there during the service tonight, I couldn't help to ask myself what others may have been feeling or thinking. What tremendous pain they must be feeling to have lost this wonderful person whom had given so much. Children, grandchildren and brothers and sisters left behind.
Left behind left behind that's the phrase that kept coming back. Left behind for what? You were left behind to continue the legacy of life to continue your dreams, goals and live life to the fullest. Left behind to talk about the times you had to laugh with those that left us. Left behind to care for others waiting to leave us soon. What will others say about you when you leave them behind? How will you be remembered?
Heart Checkup:
How can I celebrate the life of a loved one's passing?
Who can I spend more time with today to show them how much I love them?
What am I doing with my life's testimony and how is this influencing others For good or bad?

Edith is a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern, with Turning Point Counseling, specializing in Christian Principled Therapy. She considers counseling her ministry and calling. She has been married to her husband for 12 years. They love to be the "hands and feet" of our Lord and have chosen to be foster-adoption parents through Olive Crest.

Edith writes on a range of topics. She brings her personal and professional experience into her writing. Writing from her heart to your heart. You can find her blog, Compassionate Healer, at: www.edithpont.com
Copyright content by Edith Pont 2012 All rights reserved

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS