Packing a Lifetime Into So Few Years

Advent Devotional by Ray and Alice Lindekugel

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished

the race, I have kept the faith.”

—2 Timothy 4:7—

It was Dec. 4, 1998, when the angels came for our precious grandson, Levi. He was only nine years old and had fought childhood cancer for three years. He died at home with his mom laying by his side, his dad, brothers, sister and we grandparents surrounding his bed and great-grandpa holding his hand. Then, through our tears, we saw a gentle smile on Levi’s face after his passing. How comforting that was to us, knowing what joy lies ahead!
Levi loved anyone and anything “cowboy.” He kept in touch with many western singers, especially Charlie Daniels, who is a St. Jude’s Hospital supporter. Those who came by the house that night said that there were clear, starry skies all around, but within a half-mile of the house, the fog was so thick, you could cut it with a knife. Western Wishes magazine said, “It’s amazing the kind of dust a bunch of stampeding angels can stir up when they come to lead another cowboy home!”
Revelation 21:4 says, “God will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” Because of Jesus’ birth and resurrection, we, too, can have the hope that will give us a gentle smile when we pass from this life to our home in Heaven. Families are forever—it’s another “until we meet again.”

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your wonderful gift of Jesus, who gives us comfort, peace and assurance of eternal life. In his name we pray, Amen.