Lenten Devotion, Apr. 3

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21

After my stepfather received a terminal diagnosis in January, he said with certainty that he was at peace and ready to go. I asked what made him at peace and he said "God. God gave me peace."

Then he said, "Ready to go, but hate to leave." As he spoke, I realized his words echoed both the tension and longing of this verse, and I was glad for the sighting of God's mystery and grace.

For me to live is Christ (so I hate to leave), and to die is gain (so I'm ready to go).

Becky Shurson