Waiting for the Sunrise

On Thursday morning I watched the sunrise from above the clouds. It was nothing less than breathtaking. Vivid shades of orange and pink transformed the sky into a work of art. But before long some dark billowing clouds rolled in and covered the sun. I watched the black clouds and the lightening striking within the clouds for only a few minutes and then tried to get some rest. I was awakened by the bright sun blaring through the window of the plane. All the dark clouds were gone and there was nothing but blue sky and sunshine.

I spent the next 2 ½ days at a hospital by my Dad’s bedside; holding his hand, stroking his head and telling him how much I love him. Even though I knew he was ready to go to heaven, I just wasn’t quite ready to let him go. On Saturday morning around 6 am he took his final breaths and made the transition from earth to heaven. I’m sure all of heaven was rejoicing as my Dad entered the gates to meet Jesus.

There’s so much I could say about my Dad. He was an awesome dad and grandfather. He always considered the needs of others above himself. He even told everyone that he wouldn’t die until I had the opportunity to get to Pennsylvania to say goodbye to him. He even waited until Travis and the boys made the long 20 hour drive. Just hours after Caleb and Luke said goodbye to their grandpa he passed away. He considered himself lucky that he had the opportunity to say goodbye to the people he loved the most. Not all of us will have this opportunity, but we do have the opportunity to be prepared for the day when our lives here on earth will end, whatever the circumstances. My dad accepted Christ when he was in his 40’s. On that day he secured his salvation and his eternity with Christ in preparation for this time. My dad loved his Lord and never hesitated to share that love with the people around him. He had the awesome privilege to lead my grandmother and my aunt to Christ before they passed away. Even on his death bed his biggest concern was for the salvation of his brother. Through the oxygen mask he shared the Gospel and urged his brother to accept Christ so he could see him again someday in heaven.

The last few days have been so crazy. Right now I feel like I’m trapped in those big black billowing clouds. But I know that God has more beautiful sunrises and bright sunny days ahead for me. Thanks to the love, encouragement, support, and prayers of my husband, family, and friends those sunrises won’t be too far off. Maybe this morning my Dad got to see the sunrise from above the clouds…or maybe there were too many other amazing things to see and do in heaven to be bothered with a boring old sunrise.