(A two-minute read)
Dear Mom and Dad,
I sit down to write you again, missing you more than you can know. Forgive me for taking so long.
How are things at home? Life here has sometimes been complicated. But that’s life in this world. Unfortunately I sometimes step out of the simplicity of God’s kingdom and find myself up to my neck. May I be relieved of all bondage as I carry out my assignments here. Thankfully, it’s only a temporary situation.
There will be plenty of time to catch up on those details later; there’s way too much to put in a letter. Or perhaps those things simply won’t matter.
I don’t have to ask how you both are as I know all is well. And, of course, you can’t speak to me of what you see anyway. How did Paul put it? Oh yes – you would have ‘inexpressible words not permitted for a man to say’. Or, as Uncle Eugene said, you have ‘heard the unspeakable spoken’. What a thrill!
Your love and encouragement has carried me through some very difficult times in recent years. Thanks for the prayers before you left for home. You already know, from your heavenly vantage point, that those helped draw me back to God’s kingdom before it was too late. Happily, I’m here to stay. Feeding pigs became so tiresome!
Thanks for the ring and the robe, by the way. They both fit perfectly.
Although I now hurtle toward my 67th birthday I carry joy because I’m one day closer to being with my Lord, and one day closer to seeing you both again. I look forward to joining you in true rest.
Some of my friends have had the privilege of entering that rest this past year, and I miss them deeply. Obviously my first response was weeping and grief, and yet should I not instead celebrate Christ’s victory over death? Such a paradox. Only God knows why something inherently joyful grieves me so. Perhaps after it’s my turn, this will be revealed.
On the other hand, maybe it won’t be important. Perhaps God’s once-for-an-eternity drying of tears will wipe all memory of it. After all, I’ll be out of this world, so grief itself won’t matter any more.
Finally, let me apologize again that I’ve been out of touch so long, although I do feel like you’re taking a glimpse over my shoulder now and then.
Say hello to all my friends and loved ones and tell them I will see them soon enough.
With deep affection from your son,
Alan