Planning with Heaven in Mind

I have had the unfortunate opportunity to lose two family members suddenly (my father and sister). Twice I've had to go to the same funeral home and sit in that same horrible room (which is actually very nicely appointed) and make decisions that I am not prepared to make. While dealing with the shock of unexpected grief, the last thing you want to do is go to the funeral home and plan a funeral. I'm not talking about the funeral service, that part is easy. It's easy to find ways to celebrate the life. The difficult part is sifting through prices of burial plots and caskets.

The only thing that makes our separation bearable is the fact that I know that both my father and my sister loved the Lord. Separation is never easy, but when it is compounded with troubles like a missing will or unexpected expenses, the stress can be quite overwhelming. I need to plan with heaven in mind, but not forget to provide for those I'll leave behind.

I'm sorry if this topic seems a bit morbid to you, but I've decided that I don't want my husband or children to have to make those types of decisions while in the midst of grief. I also know that there are several other things I'd like to have in order just in case I'm not here tomorrow. It won't make the loss any easier, but it will take an extra burden off of their shoulders.

I'll be sharing my findings with you as I go, so by the end of the summer, all of my bucket list should be checked off. So here's my unconventional summer bucket list:

• Prepare my will
• Ensure I have sufficient Life Insurance
• Organize important documents
• Plan my funeral
• Leave evidence of my faith

We live in a world full of superheros. Even though we see death all around us, we somehow believe that it won't happen to us. One reality that everyone must face is that we are all going to die. It can also come suddenly, without disease or age to hasten the impending day.

While that doesn't sound like wonderful news, the good news is that death doesn't have to sting as bad as it could because there is hope. Paul puts it beautifully in Philippians 1:21-24

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

I think many people don't like to think about life beyond this earth because all of their pictures and ideas that they've seen or heard about heaven make it sound like a dull place. Who really wants to float on clouds and play harps all day long?

Randy Alcorn's book Heaven was the absolute best book that I read after my father passed away. He takes the misconceptions of today's society and sheds the light of scripture upon ignorance.

Truly the first aspect of getting ready is being sure of your standing with God. If you stood before God today, and He asked, "Why should I let you into heaven?" What would you say?

This four minute video paints a beautiful picture of the work of Christ. Watch below:

How do you answer Jesus when he asks: "Will you follow me?"

Betsy

Betsy Strauss is an unexpected homeschooler, mother of three, who is in a relationship with a sweet man for life. She loves reading books, drinking coffee, and learning anything with her kids.