A New Life

A New Life

(Read Philippians 1:21-23)

After Grandma’s funeral, Amy sat on her bed with a photo album on her lap. Tears blurred her vision as she looked at pictures of a teenage Grandma standing by a 1940s automobile, and then at more recent pictures of Grandma in her flower garden.

Amy heard talking and laughter downstairs. Everyone was having a good time. Everyone but her. How can they talk and eat and laugh like nothing’s happened? she wondered. Amy had noticed that even at the funeral most people—her mom included—did not behave as though they were sorry Grandma had died.

After a while, Amy’s mother came looking for her. “Are you all right, honey?” asked Mom. “You’ve been so quiet today.”

Anger bubbled up in Amy. “I won’t be happy about Grandma’s death like everyone else,” she said. “It sounds like one big party downstairs—I hear you all laughing.”

Her mother sat on the bed beside her. “We’ve been remembering the good times we had with Grandma,” she said. “We will miss Grandma very much.” She took Amy’s hands. “Grandma suffered because of her illness these last few years, but that’s over now. Remember that we talked about how she has a new life in heaven with no more pain?”

Amy sighed. “Well . . . yes, but . . .” She wiped her eyes.

“Do you remember the time we gave your dog, Max, to the Johnsons?” asked Mom. “You missed him a lot, but he was too big for our apartment and he was miserable cooped up like that. Max lives a better life on their farm than we could give him here. You wouldn’t want to bring him back now, would you?”

“No. He’s happier there with all the room he has to run and play,” admitted Amy. She thought a moment then smiled a little. “I know Grandma must be happier in heaven with Jesus than she was in the nursing home. Even though I miss her, I am glad she’s living in a better place.” She stood up. “I’ll come downstairs now.” SLA

HOW ABOUT YOU?

Has someone you loved died? It’s natural to be sad and to miss that person. But if your loved one was a Christian, he or she has begun a better life with Jesus in heaven. And you will see that person again someday.

Believers Have Eternal Life

MEMORIZE:

“For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better.” Philippians 1:21