Just after lunch I walked into Roger’s room at Pine Pointe and he was asleep. Increased morphine will do that. Every time. However, after a few minutes he opened his eyes and wanted some coke. Jerry baptized one of those swabs into some coke and gently put in into Roger’s mouth. He savored the taste, as if it were fine bourbon. When Jerry removed the swab, Roger whispered, “That was good!” It reminded me of what God said after He had created everything: “This is good!”

Actually, there is so much about Roger that reminds me of God and of things He has said and done. “It is finished!” is another of those things.

I asked Roger if he wanted to hear some hymns and he nodded in the affirmative. I tuned my cell phone to my itunes account and chose “I’ve Just Seen Jesus” with Larnell Harris and Sandi Patty singing. At one point in the song, I honestly believe that Roger got a clear glimpse of Him. The expression on his face told me so. That smile was one I will never forget. Never! His eyes were so focused. It was obvious that He did not want to miss one moment of what he was seeing. Then he dropped off to sleep. The peace of God was on his face, inexplicable peace. Abiding peace. Peace that looks forward to an even greater peace.

As I listen to the song, I remembered Mary rushing to Jesus’ tomb, in the hopes of finding His body, so she could properly dispose of it. What she found was not what she expected. Not at all! “Mary” was all He said. That was enough! They embraced. Love was expressed. Hope was evidenced! The kind of Romans five hope that does not disappoint. Not ever!

Then it hit me: in just a brief while, the events will be reversed. This time Jesus will be coming to the “tomb” seeking Roger. He will find Him and take him Home. There will be none of that “do not touch me, as I have not yet gone to My Father” verbiage. They will embrace and Jesus will escort Him to the Father. No more pain. No more tears. No more suffering. No more cancer. No more heartache. Never again!

“How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit (Psalm 32:1)!

~Amen