I remember a conversation I had one afternoon with a single girlfriend of mine years ago. Somehow we got on the topic of eternity. She was asking me how I could stand the thought of losing Tom, since she knew how much we loved each other.  That is one of those topics most people don’t ever want to think about, much less talk about casually.

Death is unavoidable.

All of us will one day breathe our last. But how we live today and Who we choose to live for will make a huge difference on how we face that door when it is upon us.

I think about things like this from time to time in an effort to help me keep my heart in check. I don’t want to cling so tightly to anything in this life other than Christ. He is my Savior, my sure anchor and the One who will carry me through death’s door, as He will my husband and best friend in this life.

I know there is a better life waiting for both of us.

Don’t get me wrong–I love the life we have here and now. But it’s the passing from this one to the other that scares most people–myself included at times. So in moments like these I must speak the truth of God’s Word to my heart.

My grandmother’s favorite Bible verse was one she repeated to me over and over as I was growing up. I remember laying in her bed next to her with the lights out. It was then she would begin:

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

(John 14:1-3 ESV)

There is a wonderful video project called StoryCorps, where people are interviewed and their voices are matched to a cartoon figure bearing their likeness. It is a wonderful way to hear their story and yet, protect their privacy. We want to share with you the following testimony of a real and lasting marriage. We want to introduce you to Danny and Annie.

You will laugh.

You will cry.

But most of all, you’ll never forget the way they loved each other in such a simple, yet beautiful way. (Grab a tissue–you’ll most likely need it!)