How do I describe what's going on here? I've never experienced anything like this.

Bec and I are in Nasvhille this weekend. As I type this entry, Bec's Grandpa is literally moments away from death. The cancer that was discovered nearly two years ago has finally taken its toll on his body. Mostly incoherent, he lies on his deathbed ready to breathe his last.

As sad as this moment could be, there's something strangely comforting about his death. Grandpa is a believer. He knows the one true God. And as he steps further and further away from this life, he gets closer and closer to Jesus. Grandpa shows no fear in his death. His family (there are about thirty of us here) senses no despair. Everyone present knows where he's going. We all know that Jesus is coming to take him to His throne.

Much of the time is passed with singing. Hymn after hymn reminds him (and us) that our God is a good God, and that He is true to his promises. At times, the gathering seems more like a party than a funeral.

Oh, death, where is your sting? Oh, grave, where is your victory?
-1 Cor 15:55

Jesus has taken them both away, and that is obvious to anyone here.

I wrote a few weeks ago about grandpa dying, and I wondered what my death experience would be like. Now, the question is even more poignant. How will I handle death? I hope that it is with the faith and assurance that grandpa is showing. And I hope my family is there around me to sing me into heaven!

It is better to go to the house of weeping, than to go to the house of feasting; because that is the end of every man, and the living will take it to their hearts.
Ecclesiastes 7:2