So glad to see you again

Today we made a trip to Alvin.  It is the second trip we have made this week.  We have relatives in Alvin however, since we are all now adults having our own families, it has been years since we have gone to visit. 

Today, we went to a graduation party.  One of our cousins graduated from Stephen F. Austin University this week.  Friday we were at a viewing.  Another cousin passed away.  While Friday's visit was sad, today's was joyous. 

We went to the home of my Uncle Ike.  He is the only uncle on my dad's side and of course, he was my "favorite."  We shared a love of football and a sibling rivalry between the two brothers [he and my dad] that loved the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Oilers.  I don't have to tell you how that ended. 

Today however, we were greeted by my Aunt Angie as my uncle Ike passed away several years ago.  Very little had changed.  My cousins were a little older like us and a third and fourth generation was present.  We had such a good time.  It was great to learn new things from them, challenges life had dealt them and the direction they had taken.  We shared so many laughs. 

I was immediately taken back to the day of my uncle's funeral.  You see for years.....and I do mean years, my grandmother had prayed for him.  My grandmother passed away without seeing the fruits of her prayers.  My uncle came to know Christ and was actively serving in a church when he passed away.

I disctinctly remember a young lady singing "I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy."  I remember thinking how good it would be to see my uncle again. 

Today I saw my living relatives but I await the day when I get to see my uncle again.  God has promised eternal life to those who accept the gift and having accepted it, I will see him again.  Like today's reunion, I can't wait to tell my uncle "so glad to see you again!"

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.  We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.  1 Thessalonians 4:13-14