What if....

Have you ever said what if??? Of course you have, I think we all have.
What if I would have been less rebellious as a teen??
What if I wouldn't have married so young??
What if I would have listened to my elders ???
What if I would have taken a different path in life??
What if one of my family members dies and isn't a Christian??

There are so many we could all apply to our lives.

I've seen many people in my line of work pass away, some very open Christians with a long life of giving, loving and openly proclaiming their beliefs, some not so vocal or obvious but still leads one to believe they are believers in the Lord Jesus. Then there are those who don't really care or have lived a life that would make one think they can't be bothered with any kind of religion. And those who openly don't want to hear it at all, totally reject that Jesus can save them from their sins on top of that they may be really nice people and win the hearts of all the staff caring for them.
But at the time of death for each one of these people there is a definite difference in the way they die. For the true Christian there is a quiet peace, a sense of calm, a giving over the spirit to the next life, looking forward to seeing their savior. Even as they slip into nothingness but still have breath, they are peaceful when caring for them, we as the care giver feels this presence, like angels watching over them.
But, for the unbeliever there is a fight going on, struggling to take the last breath, not wanting to give up even if in constant pain, death is a long time coming and the care giver can sense unrest, turmoil, struggle. Sometimes even entering the room there is a feeling of dread, an ominous presence not comfortable even for the living.

The scriptures tell us there will be no tears in Heaven, no sadness, but what if... one of our loved ones who has passed on before us isn't there when we get there?? Will we be sad or will we not even have any memory of them?? Will we miss them, will we have regret for not talking to them about the Lord??

Questions we may never have answers to this side of heaven but questions I have often contemplated over especially when I witness someone struggling through the dying process. Its never ending, the questions and the what ifs......