IDareToHope

My Grampa finally met Jesus face to face today.
He was a missionary, a pastor, a preacher, a husband and father, a leader, a pray-er, and a peaceful man of integrity. It is a blessing to have also known him as my grandfather. As a kid I was so proud to be introduced as “Gale Van Diest’s granddaughter” to other Alaskans; I knew that his name meant something because of the positive impact he has had on so many.

When I was first heading out into the world after highschool, I sat down to breakfast once with my grandparents. They were bringing me down to Ecola Bible School in Cannon Beach, Oregon, as recently referenced. I asked them “Do you have any great pieces of advice for people my age [18yearsold]?”
Grampa said “Don’t get so excited.” And went on to explain that the next big things were not really what life was all about. Instead life is meant to be lived faithfully, on a day-to-day trusting basis with the Lord. And someday I’ll look back and be able to see how He has led me all the way.

I’m so thankful for the moments I was able to have with my grandparents this year also, visiting twice and eating meals together, sitting in the living room and listening to stories. This last month as mom and I bid them farewell after our impromptu visit, Grampa hugged me and kissed me on top of my head, something I don’t really remember him doing before. I think he knew that this was the last time.

For as long as I can remember, my grampa has been talking about Heaven. Even when I just saw him in June, and asked him what books he had been reading lately, he answered with “The Case for Heaven, by Lee Strobel.” He recommended it.

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far…” 

Philippians 1:20-22

“I’m sorry for your loss,” feels like such an odd thing to hear. I know with all my heart my grampa is not lost. I know exactly where he is today, and envy him more than a little bit. His faithful life has always pointed to Jesus, and to salvation that comes through Jesus alone. I very recently shared with someone that I hoped that 2 Timothy 4:7-8 will someday parallel my life to the extent that it does my grampa’s life.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

While there have already been more than a few tears today, they are bittersweet. We know that while he is no longer with us on earth, there is much rejoicing in heaven and he can finally see his Savior, face-to-face.

Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:6-8

Heaven is all the sweeter today.
I cannot imagine how people who don’t believe in Jesus go through this sort of familial loss. The emptiness and actual loss must feel so… swallowing. I am all the more aware of how fleeting life is, and how much certain things matter, and how many things do not.
Grateful that this earthly journey is truly not the end, and grateful for the promise from our Father in Heaven that whoever believes in His Son, Jesus, will not perish but have eternal life [John 3:16].

Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only One Life, by C.T. Studd