What Joy Shall Fill My Heart

My family and I went for a walk after visiting my grandfather for one of the last times while he was still in the hospital dealing with Acute Renal Failure. After uploading my photos onto the computer this one stood out to me.  I can't put my finger on it, but this photo reminds me of my grandparents. My grandmother was a painter, and this photo triggers a memory of one of her paintings that I can see in my mind from my childhood.

Saturday I went to visit him at his house and I had a feeling it would be the last time I ever saw him. I told him I loved him. Despite his slurred speech I heard him say, "I love you too." Later that day he was back in the hospital. Sunday my sister was there with him when he died. One of the last things he said to her was, "I'll see you in heaven."

This has been a difficult past few weeks. I have never watched the process of someone I love dying before so quickly... someone who was in relatively good healthy, who suddenly took a turn for the worse. I am assured of where he is, and this fills my heart with joy.

I love you Grandpa.

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation, 

And take me home, what joy shall fill me heart.

Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,

And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"