Today I will say goodbye to a wonderful saint who lived his life for Jesus. 

Days like this are bittersweet.  It is sweet to know the end result of our faith.  This is a day that family and friends will cling to the hope of the eternal life we find in Jesus.  The light of the gospel shines the brightest in the valley of the shadow of death. 

Today will also be bitter.  There is emotional pain that comes with saying goodbye.  It is hard to finish the final chapter and close the book on someone we love.  We long for one more conversation, smile, and day together.  Tears will flow and drain the emotions, but it is necessary to bring the closure we need. 

The Apostle Paul tells the Church in the city of Thessalonica that it is okay to grieve but do not do it like those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13).  Today both of those realities will come to pass.  We will grieve, but even in our sadness, there is hope because of the work of Jesus. 

Today is not goodbye; it is more like, “We will meet again on the other side.” 

Thank you, Jesus.