Cemeteries

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.  Matthew 28:1

A friend of mine recently shared with me the one-year anniversary death of her father.  She had gone to his gravesite to see him.  She told me that being able to 'talk' with him there, was very therapeutic. 

I find cemeteries comforting as well.  Even Mary went to visit the tomb of Jesus.  There is a connection by heart to the loved ones we have lost, and their grave is evidence that they existed. 

When I walk the rows of tombstones in a cemetery, I often stop to read what was written.  Names, dates, what they were best known for.  And then I wonder if I will meet them one day?

I think we will be surprised to see who is in heaven, and we will be surprised by who is not there.  My dad died when I was 20 years old.  He had left my mom for another woman and converted to Mormonism.  He died a slow death from cancer, and even though I don't believe I will ever see him again, I do not know what conspired between him and The Creator moments before he left this earth.

I saved a letter from a missionary who lost his mother nine months ago because I found his words very comforting.  He wrote, "How do I handle losing her and not knowing the state of her soul?

    1-I trust God

    2-I am comforted that I was consistent in witnessing and know she heard the gospel many, many times.  Without this I would be tormented.

    3-I focus my attention on the multitudes around me who still need to hear."

God has promised to give EVERY man the opportunity to turn to Him for salvation.  We have a just and fair God.

I, too, take comfort in His Truth.  My dad had his opportunity to choose Christ and regardless of his choice, it was his choice to make.

And so, when I visit the grave of a loved one now gone, I will choose hope until my faith is turned to sight.

    But that's just me!