Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”

~John 11:25-26a ESV

As the sun rose over the horizon, Suzie’s parents prepared for a day that would end with a goodbye. However, for Suzie, a goodbye would never do. Instead, she chose a see you later.

The day before Suzie’s grandfather died, Suzie and Grandpa Joe had enjoyed a day in the park. They rode the merry-go-round and fed the ducks. The day was picture-perfect. As the day ended, Grandpa Joe took Suzie home and, with a hug, said goodbye. But Suzie looked at her grandfather and said, “No, Grandpa Joe. Please do not say goodbye to me. Instead, please say, ‘See you later.'”

NEVER SAY GOODBYE

Saying goodbye to Grandpa Joe also weighed significantly on Suzie’s father. He always knew the day would come. However, saying goodbye to his father of thirty-one years challenged him more than he imagined. At the graveside service, the family approached the casket to say their last goodbyes. Suzie held tightly to her daddy’s hand. With tears streaming down his face, he reached out and touched his father’s casket and said goodbye. Suzie looked up at her daddy as the tears ran down her face. “Daddy, please do not say goodbye to Grandpa Joe. Instead, tell Grandpa you will see him later.”

MAKE PROMISES

Those words from Suzie gave her father great comfort that day. They knew one day the family would reunite with Grandpa Joe. We have all experienced what Suzie and her parents went through that day. It’s an experience that leaves us feeling empty as the reality of death comes to pass in the days that follow. The hurt is real, and the mourning is soul-piercing, but our faith in God and His promises will get us through.

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.

John 14: 1-4a ESV

In Revelations 21:4, Jesus also makes another promise. “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.”

What Bible verses have brought you comfort during times of loss?

God, I come to you today in proxy for those experiencing great loss. I pray they will feel your loving touch and stand upon your promises as they travel down this road in life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: See You Later: Ed Chappelle: All Rights Reserved