Through a Veil of Tears...

Many of you probably know that my family and I lost a dear friend last week – “Uncle” Chuck Schumann. Closer than any blood relative, I can't remember a time when he wasn’t my “uncle” and friend across the street. Over the years he did ministry with my parents, gave us kids rides on his motorcycle, walked into our house (quite frequently) to hang out and snitch dessert, supported us (kids) in our various musical endeavors, and mentored and led us as we traveled to Taiwan to serve the Lord. He skied and played paintball with us. He loved to joke and laugh and delighted in the thrill of adventure everywhere he went. He lived a full life.

Walking into my house unannounced...typical. :)

The past few weeks have been full of tears and crying out to the Lord to heal Uncle Chuck. Which…He did. The Lord healed him in the best way possible – by freeing him from his pain forever and placing a crown of righteousness on His faithful servant. Uncle Chuck is beholding the face of Jesus. He is singing with the angels and worshiping His Lord. What a glorious reward!

Those of us who are Christians are left here on earth with a strange mixture of joy, hope, and peace pierced with a deep aching sorrow. But while we grieve, we recognize that this is only a temporary separation, and that one day we will all be united with the King, worshiping together at His throne. May His name be praised!

Sometimes we feel angry at God for taking loved ones away so soon. But God is teaching me that I have no right to be angry. I felt angry because God “robbed” me of memories that still could have been made. I “deserved” one last memory with Uncle Chuck at my wedding. But no…the Lord gently whispered in my ear that none of that was mine in the first place. It is all God’s.

Yet we can’t discount the grief. It is good to grieve – but we must grieve as Job did. As his life came crashing down around him, he tore his robes and shaved his head. But then…he fell to the ground in worship. And he spoke this truth: “The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” (Job 1:21b)

Always smiling. :)

I am thankful for the memories I had with Uncle Chuck. I am thankful for photos that were taken. I am thankful that I had the privilege of serving God together with him. I am thankful for the years of being his neighbor. But most of all, I am thankful that through His death on the cross and resurrection from the tomb, Jesus conquered death. Therefore, death is not the end – it is just “See you later.” We have the hope of being reunited. We have the joy and peace of knowing that he is free of his broken body and is receiving his reward in heaven.

I miss Uncle Chuck. So much that sometimes, all that I can do is sit and weep. Without him here on earth, there is a void that is no longer filled by his presence. But, through a veil of tears, I look forward to the day of the Lord’s return – when He will wipe every tear from our eyes, when we will finally behold the Father face-to-face, and when we can bow together in worship at His throne, singing praises to the Lamb who is worthy of ALL our praise.