Loss is not a one-time event. It is a process that takes a lifetime.

Recently, I picked up my phone to call my dad. He has been gone for years now, but he was the only person I knew who could help me. His name and number are still on my phone, and it feels like he hasn’t been gone that long.

I stared at the phone and cried for a while.

The feeling of loss comes at moments that I do not expect. They hit hard and cut deep into my soul. I grieve. Then, I move on and try to regain my balance.

Revelation 21 describes heaven. We are told that God will wipe every tear from the eyes of his people, and there will be no more death. Then it goes on to say that there will be no more mourning, crying, or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

Not only is death removed, but the mourning and crying caused by previous impacts of death will also be removed. Loss takes a lifetime to walk through, but thank God it doesn’t last an eternity.