Our lives are like a train journey

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

Saying goodbye is never easy. This week I attended the celebration of life service of a father of some friends of ours. He lived his life sharing the gospel as a missionary pastor. I never met this man, but I was able to experience his life through touching stories of those who knew him. For many of us we don't attend celebration life services because we knew the one who died, but we attend to experience the life through those who did.

 I remembered my  uncle Rodger Kent, former WTCN/KARE 11/WCCO on air personality. I wanted to attend his remembrance event at the Radio hall of fame in St. Louis Park, but time wouldn't allow me to. 

Saying goodbye is never easy. Like standing on the ground waving to our loved one standing on the back of the last train car waving to us as their figure gets smaller and smaller until they finally disappear.  Once that train has left our line of vision it arrives at heavens gate where throngs of witness's welcome our loved one home. 

On our end we grieve, but at the heavenly train station celebrations are just beginning. Welcome home signs are being held up by the saints of the past. Balloons are being released and the red carpet is rolled out. As your loved one walks on that carpet they see the Savior Jesus Christ waiting with outstretched arms welcoming them home.

Life is like a train journey.  We each get on at different points of that journey and we get to know others on that same train. Some stay with us through most of the journey, while others get off at other points of the journey. We grow to love certain people, only to say goodbye to them at their journey's completion.

Whereas it is painful to say goodbye I guess the best thing we can do is enjoy the journey we are on.