So after the Easter service, our family started out to Georgia because the viewing was that night. The drive up to Georgia takes about six hours and is normally pleasant to look out at all the scenery. This drive up this time, however, could best be described as quiet, long, and unnerving. I was not sure exactly what was going to happen at the viewing as I had never been to one before. The uncertainty of the entire situation was growing inside of my mind. My parents began to explain to me what would happen at the viewing and what the purpose of the viewing was. They said that it was a time where I could go up and see my grandmaw one last time if I wanted to and that all of our family would be there to comfort each other.
I was not sure if I really wanted to see my grandmaw while she was dead: it seemed a little odd to me. I was under the impression that the overall mood of the viewing was going to be upsetting, but as i would soon learn, I would leave uplifted.
I had always heard heaven described as a family reunion: a place where all of your beleiving family members would be joined together once again. This image was comforting to think about especially once my grandmaw died. Knowing that some time later, i would see her again face to face was comforting. So what does this have to do with the viewing? Well, when we arrived at the funeral home and made our way into the room where my grandmaw's casket was being held, there was still a great Mount of uncertainty resting in the back of my head.
As the viewing started and family members came into the room, something a strange thiught began to emmerge in my head. All i could think about was that this is what heaven is going to be like. Family members that I had not seen in years or had never met in my life easily approached me and others and we just talked. We talked about funny stories about my grandmaw and we comforted each other. The situation reminded me abiut the passage in Acts as it describes hiw the members of the First Church related with eache other:
" And day by day, continuing stedfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved."
Acts 2:46-47
The viewing for me was like a little glimpse of what heaven may look like. And even though my grandmaw was physically not there, she was still there in a way. My entire family was bonded together during the two hours we were there. God used a situation that i thought was going to be deeply saddening and turned it into the exact opposite.
I have noticed that God tends to use situations that we least expect Him to use. Sometimes we may miss what He is doing in situations like this. It is my hope and prayer for you this week that God shows you His power and love in a way that you would least expect it. Thank you so much for reading!
Revelation 22:20
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