I’ve had the privilege of sitting at the bedside of many people, moments before they enter eternity. It’s an honor to be a part of the family circle during such a difficult and confusing time. Here’s my observation: every family and situation is unique because we all process the loss of a loved one differently. Some people are quiet and prefer to be alone, while others are loud and express their grief more demonstratively. Regardless, everyone needs to process the loss they haven’t experienced before.
This week, my father-in-law passed away. Most of our family was at his bedside. He lived a remarkable life of 97 years, surpassing the average life expectancy. At such moments, I’ve heard people say, “That was a good home-going,” but I must admit, I didn’t fully comprehend the depth of that statement. Now, I understand the profound difference. Death brings pain, loss of control, and the weight of the unknown. However, this was different. Thankfully, Dad didn’t endure prolonged suffering and discomfort. Nevertheless, the reality of a Christian dying is vastly different from that of a person without a personal relationship with God. We sang songs. We prayed. We read the Scriptures. We laughed. We cried. But as the Apostle Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 4:13b: “We sorrow not like those who have no hope.” If you’ve ever wondered why I’m so passionate about sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ…I simply want you to one day, after a long and full life, have a “good home-going.”