Goodbye. No one wants to say it. And death is the most difficult goodbye of all.

This is Max Lakato. After our church had five funerals in seven days, the sorrow took its toll on me.

I chided myself. Come on, Max. Get over it. Death is a natural part of living. Then I self-corrected.

No, it isn't. Birth is, breathing is,

belly laughs, big hugs, and bedtime kisses are, but death, we weren't made to say goodbye.

God's original plan had no farewell, no final breath, day, or heartbeat. No matter how you

frame it, goodbye doesn't feel right. But God has served notice.

All farewells are on the clock. He has to create a family reunion and what a reunion it will be.

Revelation 214 says, on that day, he will wipe every tear from their eyes. This long journey will

come to an end.

You'll see him, and you'll see them.

Isn't this our hope?