Have you ever thought what it must be like passing from life to death? I’m in the middle of closing my dad’s estate, and sometimes I can get a little misty eyed. What began almost five years ago at his death is finally wrapping up. Dad really is gone. Actually, he really has arrived.
This parable has kept me focused on the reality of Dad’s passing out of my sight and into my future. The source of the parable is uncertain, but its truths are sure.
If you have ever grieved someone, you’ll find this story creates in your heart an excitement for eternity future and brings comfort until you get there.
I’m standing on the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She’s an object of beauty and strength and I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and the sky come down to mingle with each other. And then I hear someone at my side saying, “There, she’s gone.”
Gone where? Gone from my sight, that is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side. And just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of destination. Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when someone at my side says, “There, she’s gone,” there are other eyes watching her coming, and there are other voices ready to take up the glad shout, “Here she comes!” And that is dying.
Passing from life to death
Of what might your “load of living freight” consist? Might it be the things of eternal value in which you have invested? Could it be the true person of the spirit that you have become—reflecting the image of Jesus?
Who are the “other voices ready to take up the glad shout, ‘Here she comes!'” as you near Heaven’s shore?
These thoughts bring joy to my heart. Have a great week, Susan
Your turn: What part of this parable touched your heart and why? I’d love to hear from you.
“Jesus likes it when we share.” -Adelaide, age 3: Pass this along to everybody and their brother. OK, maybe not everybody’s brother, but you know, all of your friends would be nice.
Related posts:
What Everybody Ought to Know About Heaven
How to Help Someone Through The Process of Grief and Loss
You’ll find Laurie Taylor helpful over at Grief Hope where she offers insights, education, and stories about grief and hope.
This Post Has 6 Comments
Hi Susan,
Touched my heart, as my Mom just died this summer. I am finding that I feel tears in my eyes at the smallest things.. a friendly word of compassion from a stranger, things at an antique store that were also in her house. My Dad is moving in with one of my brothers, so the place I knew her in is even gone…. but the place she is will be mine, is mine as well and I look forward to that day, pressing on with the life I have here, and the ministry God has for me now. Blessings my friend.
Blessings to you too, Sherry. I know what you mean by things bringing tears to your eyes when you least expect it. I miss Mom and Dad and often find myself tearing up. They make Heaven all the sweeter to look forward to.
Well, that did it for me….I’m Sooooo ‘there’ in that story!!!
Tears of sadness, missing Jim, and tears of joy that he’s ‘home’….all mingled together. That’s the way it is for me most of the time…..isn’t that the way it’s supposed to be?
And that’s OK with me….he’s a happy camper, so I am too!!!!
Of course, the bottom line is, that I can’t wait to join him!!!!
And, that’s the ‘HAPPY END’ of the story!!!!
Moira, you always bring me smiles. I love your “happy end” of the story. 🙂
….it’s that ‘happy end’ of the story that I plan to be living for eternity Susan!!! See you there!!! <3
Yes, you will!