Death

Just a couple of hours ago, my best friend, Ann (the one I am chatting to every night over YM) broke to me the bad news; her office mate died last night of cardiac arrest. It was really a shock to everybody because he was healthy and was perfectly fine. The story was told that they were playing chess, laughing hard and then, all of a sudden he had a stroke that caused his death right away. This is so sad. Who would know that it would be his last laugh?
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This made me think whether I am ready to die or not? I am not afraid to die, but I don't want to die yet. I don't want to cause heartbreak to my love-ones. How do you want to die? Sudden or slow? Many prefer sudden because they it's the dying and the pain that scares them. But there are also who prefer slow, so that they still have time to do and say something that meant so much to them. As Paul faced imprisonment and the prospect of dying in a cell jail, he shared his view about life and death: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21
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This wonderful verse reminds me of my Aunt (who had been sick for a while). This was her favorite bible verse. One night, she was preparing for bed when all of a sudden she felt something in her heart; difficulty to breath and her heartbeat was racing. She knew right then that it was her time, and she just praised God, sung a song, and prayed about her entry to the kingdom of God.
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Death is our enemy, but it does not possess the finality that so many dread. There is something waiting for believers beyond this life-- something better. One day, we will actually be in God's presence. Our fear will melt away when we see Him face to face.