It was a decade plus ago when my grandfather died. He was a cool guy. Lots of cool stories, and a ton of opinion. He had served in the Merchant Marine in World War II, which fueled both his appetite for story telling, and for political concerns. When he died. I realized I had missed out because of my own immortality.
What I mean is, at the age of 28, I had either been plagued with being young (sorry young readers, it is a plague of sorts), or with busy-ness leading up to this time. So I blame both in this case, as primary reasons why I had not invested the amount of time back into my Grandfather as I would have liked. My Grandmother has been different since then… but not different enough. Sure I have had her down to visit with us, and she will be in Hilton Head with us over the Fall break, but it hasn’t been enough (this time I’ll only blame busy ness, no longer plagued with youth fortunately 🙂 ).
So why immortality? Well, had I not falsely placed an immortal sense on myself as a youngster, I would have been more in tune with the reality of my Grandfather’s passing, before it happened. I can remember being shocked. He had not been in the best health, but not the worst, but I should have known. And so now I wish I could get back to him to talk more, listen more, learn from wisdom, perhaps tell a joke or two. I never actually inspired joking with Grandpa, he always joked, but it was him, not me.
Tell me, have you ever wished for someone to return? So many of you who read me, are Christians like myself. Others have belief in other faiths, and some no belief at all. But haven’t all of you had some longing for immortality at some point? Well, I believe we are, and that it will come, but the reality of that is greatly unknown to us. What does it all look like, and who is going to know who?
I have thought often, read Randy Alcorn’s Dictionary sized book on Heaven, and have read Revelation multiple times in hopes of getting a better understanding. Its hard to say that I have gained that. But there is something I have gained, and that is insight. Insight into the relationship between our mortal lives here, our immortal lives there, and the impact on our health that happens somewhere in between. And what is that impact hinged on? Hope.
I have read many articles on stress, I have read many articles on life and health. And beyond all of it, I believe the most important piece of health, is based on stress. And I believe the most important cause of stress… is a lack of hope.
For the person who is struggling with a failing health situation… hope is necessary. Without it, you will give in. For the person who sees their lives eroding around them, whether due to divorce, or financial collapse. Hope is the necessity. And for the one who loses an amazing loved one, perhaps even a child. Hope, will SLOWLY dash away the pain. Hope.
So as I was thinking about my Grandpa today, on top of his horse (he owned horses and was in the mounted sheriff’s department in his home town… he actually was Sheriff). The great peace that I felt, was hope. A hope that he is where he needs to be, and that one day I will be there too. This type of hope, builds peace, and this type of peace that we rest in, brings health.
I pray you can find this in your life! Be Well and Be Blessed! – Dr. E