The Horizon of Life
THE HORIZON OF LIFE
You have watched with anger, outrage, and deep sorrow as pain, humiliation and loss of strength has changed the body, mind and spirit of someone you love. You hated these changes as the person grew weaker and weaker and slipped further and further from you. Finally, the ordeal of waiting and watching helplessly is over. The end has come to your loved one. But this is not reality.
Imagine you are standing on a pier with a group of friends and relatives. Everyone is waving a final goodbye to a fellow Christian as the ship the person is on sails slowly away. As it goes further and further from you and out into the open sea, it seems to change, to grow smaller as it maintains its course. A loved one is leaving. You are already experiencing the first pangs of loneliness and sorrow as you think about the upcoming void in your life. You don’t like the change you see as the ship grows smaller and smaller. Finally, it sails over the horizon and out of your sight. You can’t see it anymore. The ordeal of idly standing by, waiting for the inevitable is over. The person standing next to you with tear filled eyes turns and says, “It’s gone.” Your own eyes tell you this is so. But this too is not reality.
As certain as the ship and its passengers which have passed out of your sight still exist, so too does your loved one. Just as those of you watching helplessly as someone you love dearly passes over the horizon of life may say with deep sorrow, “she’s gone…he’s gone,” rest assured there are others on the other side of the horizon at the exact same moment shouting with indescribable joy “she’s home…”he’s home.” Your loved one has just been born to eternal life. An unknown author reminds us, “For a Christian death is not a ‘period’ but rather a ‘comma’ in the story of life.” [John 11:25-26; 5:24-25; 10:28]
God has determined that one day at a specific hour and second, which He alone has decreed, you too will cross over the Horizon of Life [Job 14:1, 5]. Take comfort in knowing that because of His tremendous love [John 3:16], your loved one will be there to joyfully welcome you. This is reality!
January 1, 1991 Posted by Mike Cunningham Categories: Stories 60 comments
I read your Horizon of Life story and during the whole story I thought of my family members who have gone to a better place.
Linda Winney
Mike,
I lost three close family members in three months. First was my son in law followed by my only brother and then my husband. Your pamphlet The Horizon of life gave me a lot of comfort.
Mary Jane Watner
Mike,
Thank you for helping people see that losing someone in this world is for someone to gain a life without pain and hurt anymore. The loved ones may still be on the earth and feel the pain of losing their love one, but we all must keep in mind that they are at peace now. Also, they are looking over us to make sure our life is still at peace. Working in a nursing home can be very hard seeing and losing ones that we have grown to love and care for. Although I would not change it for the world because I know I am able to help the person enjoy the last steps in their life. We all can not thank you enough for all the kinds words of wisdom that you offer us here at green Mountain.
Mike,
I read the Horizon of Life. It was very good. It was a great eye opener.
Andrea
The Horizon of Life was very gentle and comforting.
Debbie Wright
I liked the Horizon Of Life. You did a good job. It helped me a lot. I brought 4 kids up alone.
In 3 months time I lost my daughter who was 47. Then my sister who was 61. Next was my son in law who was 46. Then my niece who was only 23 years old.
Thanks Mike
Deb Medor
Hi Mike, It was so good seeing you today. I can’t tell you how happy both Jeff and I were to see you looking happy and healthy.
I did re-read “The Horizon of Life” and it is a beautiful way to look at death and dying.
We have a lot of people that we know and love on that boat. The ideas and those thoughts are a comfort to me also. I will try to think of the reality as I visit those friends. Thanks for writing it. Peg
I agree 100 percent with what The Horizon Of Life says. I’m thankful for it-and for meeting you!
Kris Manazir
Mike,
I read The Horizon of Life. It was very helpful to me and other people.
Pabitra