I’m contemplating death today, because I just learned of the passing of Edith Waugh, a former church member from my Rock Hill, South Carolina days and wife of Les Waugh, whom I wrote about in a previous blog post.

Edith was also the sitter for my children and allowed me the opportunity to be out and involved with church ministry, most times that was with Les as we both stuffed ourselves in my Suzuki Samurai. In fact, here’s a picture of Edith and Les standing with my daughters Stephanie and Kitti, and that Suzuki Samurai.

Edith Waugh will always hold a dear place in my heart and memory. And now I have another reason to long for the appearing of my Lord Jesus Christ.

I’ve finally reached that age where death seems to be a frequent occurrence among family, friends, and fellow sojourners in Christ.

Even as a hospital chaplain I have found more of my patient visits becoming conversations on dealing with death or grieving the passing of loved ones.

Death is so final, this side of eternity. It’s the enemy. It’s a result of sin. It’s a regular reminder that the world and we who are in it are not yet redeemed. It’s a reminder to all the living of Satan’s cosmic attempt to steal Christ’s glory.

We know the day is coming when death will be no more, when the resurrection will declare “O death, where is your victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55), and that seeming winning enemy will be forever banished in the lake of fire spoken of in Revelation, and that day can’t come quick enough.

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus.