101 years, 6 months, 11 days. Her name was Evelyn. Most called her Mrs. Ferrin. Some called her mom. To me she was grandma. She graced us with her presence for more than a century. Now she is home.
There is no one I know who more perfectly embodies Paul’s words in Philippians 3:20-21.
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Grandma was a woman who deeply, fully, and unashamedly loved Jesus. She wanted to know Him…which she did more and more each day. She wanted to tell others about Him…which she did any chance she could. She wanted to serve Him…which she did faithfully. She wanted to make Him proud…and I know He is. She wanted to be with Him…and now she is. Now she is home.
She embraced life on earth for sure. She traveled. She entertained. She shopped. She laughed. She taught. She worshipped. But she also know where her citizenship was. This world was where she lived. But this world was not her home. And oh, she longed for home. The last time I was with her I asked her about heaven. She grinned and said, It will be more and better than I can even imagine. Now she is home.
Grandma was "eagerly awaiting a Savior from there…” At her 100th birthday party she was so happy to have everyone together. But she made it clear that she didn’t want to see 101. (I am sure she had a talk with Jesus about that last December 19th.) Yet it wasn’t a morbid statement. Her words didn’t speak of disappointment or sorrow or anything other than her desire to be where she was created to be – with Jesus. Now she is home.
She lived to make others feel valuable. You couldn’t be with her without having her cook you something – or a whole lot of things. She always asked about you, rather than talk about herself. She always looked for people who didn’t have a place to go – for Sunday supper or Christmas Dinner – and she made sure they new they were welcome in her home. And now she is home.
I imagine that she arrived at Heaven’s Banquet Table this morning and asked where the kitchen was so she could help. And at that moment, her Lord, Savior, and Best Friend took her by her hand and said,
Come with me. Today I have saved the best seat for you. I have prepared a feast for you. I have planned a celebration for you. I will walk with you, sing for you, and rejoice over you. You have lived well. And now you will live even better…forever. You are not the only one who has been eagerly awaiting this day. I am so glad you are here. Welcome home.
