I had to run home and change today, because I forgot to put on a very important piece of jewelry: my Sydney necklace--named for a very special young woman. Today is the second anniversary of her homecoming.
"God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son." (I John 5:11)
Two years ago on this day, Sydney Boone Gaylord, went home to be with the Lord and met her beloved Bridegroom, the Lord Jesus, face to face for the first time. Sydney was a greatly loved wife, mother of three, and daughter of two of the finest people I know. While we may remember this day and weep, I imagine there is some serious celebrating going on in heaven. O give us eyes to see, Father.
Sydney's earthly life may have ended with a brain tumor, but I cannot help but think of the words from Hebrews 11:4--"he being dead still speaks." Yes, yes, Sydney's life doesn't just still speak--her life sings! I can still remember nearly every detail of her funeral...and the last song we sang: "O Happy Day." Because for Sydney, it was the happiest of days when she would finally meet her Savior face to face. Sydney wanted to be buried in white--her wedding dress to meet her glorious Bridegroom on her ultimate and perfect wedding day.
"Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,
Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory,
for the marriage supper of the Lamb has come,
and His Bride has made herself ready,
it was granted to her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure--for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints." (Rev.19:6-8)
Sydney's love for the Lord, her enthusiasm, her love of worship, her appreciation for all things colorful, her great love for her family and friends, but most of all her undiluted adoration of, and joy in, her Savior, O how they speak,...and sing...and glorify the Lord. What a reminder--it's not the length of life, it's the level of love for God and others. It's not about the number of years we might live but about the Name of the Lord Jesus and His greatness in our lives. And it's about enjoying joyous eternal life, not about experiencing copious days of life.
O Jesus, help us to live--truly live and savor--each day that You choose to give us...all by Your grace, all to Your glory. None of us is guaranteed tomorrow. Nor do we have yesterday. We have only today, this very day, this moment, to live fully and freely to the praise of Your glory.
Might we make much of You, Lord, each and every day, so that on that great and glorious day when we, too, meet our beloved Bridegroom face to face, we will be ready to sing and laugh and dance in the streets of heaven. With Sydney. And with so many beloved family and friends who, even though, dead, still speak. For in reality, they live--truly LIVE!
It will be one happy, happy day...after day...after day...after day....and on into eternity with Jesus.
To God be the glory.
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