lessons learned

last week i went to visit a lady who i knew was only a short time away from meeting her Savior. we were headed to her home to just visit and sing some songs with her. i wasn't really sure what to expect. we entered her room, and there she lay. it was a tough sight to swallow. cancer had taken over her body, and she now looked like someone you would see from a nazi concentration camp. her doctors had told her it was only a matter of weeks. as we spent a few minutes talking with her and singing to her a few thoughts came to mind. to be honest the thoughts have really been working in my life.

as she lay there listening, i couldn't help but think how fitting death is as punishment for our sin. sure, it's cruel in that it may cause pain to you and others, but spiritually it is completely just in how it works. we know that "the wages of sin is death." it is only just for God to pay us back for our sins with this fitting end. death is like capital punishment in that it detours. capital punishment detours crime. death detours sin. once you are dead you will never sin again. thus it is a just end.
however, we know there is hope. here is one of the sweetest words in God's Word that we can cling to. the word "BUT." "but the gift of God is eternal life." "but" granted her so much hope. she had received the gift of God and would soon be enjoying it to its fullest extent. i couldn't help but want to trade places with her. today she is home with our Savior rejoicing forever more. she is experiencing the beginning of eternal life. i knew her for no more than 15 minutes, but her life has left a lasting impact on mine.