Getting to the Other Side

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be.” John 14:3 NASB

“Even someone he envisions as ‘poisoned by a wretched upbringing in some house full of vulgar jealousies and senseless quarrels’ can be assured that God is well aware of ‘what a wretched machine you are trying to drive,’ and asks only that you ‘keep on [doing] the best you can.’ ” C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

She was a beautiful woman! She was in her mid-forties, gorgeous, a smile that lifted others, words of wisdom without being preachy and she had muscular sclerosis. MS. I met her when I was 18 years and lost her when I was 24 years. I didn’t just admire her; I adored her. She walked with a cane but I hardly noticed. Even men still tipped their hats and smiled just looking at her. She radiated her savior. She glowed. Her disease was discovered during an eye exam and as powerful as her disease was, she was more powerful because of her savior.

And her husband was a berating cheater. She left him. She had too. He was very abusive and with her chronic disease, who can fight? She got to the other side. Her son became a very famous western art painter. Her home was a log cabin condiminium with windows that reflected the mountains, streams and snow. She invited many to Bible studies in her lovely, warm home and she laughed with praises for others and God.

No one saw all the gruesome, agonizing and lonely times she had. Her Father did. And…

She got to the other side. In her Earthly life

And now she’s with her savior forever.

I could go on. She was my first real experience with a Christian.

You may be someone’s first real experience with a Christian.

You probably are and have been. When you get to heaven, you’ll be so surprised at your legacy! In a very joyful way.

All the hours of counseling and support groups, prayer, wrestling with the word and world—to get to the other side. Even with the old beater you’re driving! I recommend Pilgrim’s Progress in current English to embrace what’s over the river and on the other side. Heck! Even a chicken knows to get to the other side.

Musings

“When things get tough, never quit. Because if you quit you’ll never see the good that’s waiting for you on the other side. And once you get to the other side, things will be even better.” Truck driver sharing his truth of 40 years of marriage.

Prayer

Dear Father,

We forget the wonderful things that await us here and in heaven. We screw up our willpower to get through our challenges and forget you’re in the business of good. You’re the Wonderful Counselor. Help us to rely more on you and less on grit and determination. Help us to glimpse what’s on the Other Side. Hope. Perseverance. And joy.

Amen.