It’s been three years since Allie Grace passed to her Heavenly home. Today the thought of death seemed to consume me. I know that isn’t something we like to think of or dwell on often, but the truth is that death is coming for all of us. Death doesn’t have to be scary or morbid. It can be beautiful and holy. Eternity is a gift, if only we accept Christ’s sacrifice. It took me a long time to be able to conquer the enemy of selfishness, to be able to really accept the gift, that my daughter is in glory. She’s perfect and made whole. She’s there waiting, along with my Savior, for the day my purpose is completed here on earth.

I used to think death was for the old. Boy, have my eyes been opened to the fact that death strikes all ages, even those not yet born. The thought of death never really even crossed my mind until I experienced the valley of the shadow first hand, and now I find myself praying almost every day that the “Lord, please fix on my eyes on eternity.” This life we live can be so fast paced and so distracting that we lose focus on what really matters. What matters isn’t who posted what on social media or what Trump is up to next. Na, those things are just distractions that keep our minds off of what matters most, and that is…eternity.

I know it isn’t God’s intention for us to live forever on this earth.  He is preparing a Heavenly home that is beyond our comprehension. (1 Cor.2:9) When our purpose is fulfilled on this side we will be worshiping at His feet on that side. Allie’s purpose has been fulfilled. Her life was short, yes, but it was exactly as long as God intended it to be. One day soon when my purpose is complete I’ll be right there with her. I say that to say, (if you’re still reading) do you know where you’ll spend eternity when your purpose is fulfilled?  Life is fleeting and we don’t know how long we have left to spread the gospel of Christ’s love. Do you know without a shadow of a doubt that you’ll be in Heaven when your life’s purpose has been fulfilled? Have you lived your life to the fullest?

Jim Elliot said “I seek not a long life, but a life lived full, like you Lord Jesus.” amen

I’ve had these song lyrics in my head for the past week and I find it only fitting to leave them here underneath this picture for my sweet girl…

I Will Carry You by Selah

There were photographs I wanted to take
Things I wanted to show you
Sing sweet lullabies, wipe your teary eyes
Who could love you like this?

People say that I am brave but I’m not
Truth is I’m barely hanging on
But there’s a greater story
Written long before me
Because He loves you like this

So I will carry you
While your heart beats here
Long beyond the empty cradle
Through the coming years
I will carry you
All my life
And I will praise the One Who’s chosen me
To carry you

Such a short time
Such a long road
All this madness
But I know
That the silence
Has brought me to His voice
And He says

I’ve shown her photographs of time beginning
Walked her through the parted seas
Angel lullabies, no more teary eyes
Who could love her like this?

I will carry you
While your heart beats here
Long beyond the empty cradle
Through the coming years
I will carry you
All your life
And I will praise the One Who’s chosen Me
To carry you

  I Will Carry You by Angie Smith