Death will never be the same for me. When I watched my earthly father die in the veterans hospital on Christmas Eve, 2014, every Bible verse about death for a Christian came to life. Those of us present at his bedside sang that evening sang sacred Christmas carols to him before, and as the numbers went down on the monitors. It came naturally. We had the strength to sing and usher my dad into heaven because we knew he knew where he was going.

Because he was in Christ, death had no sting(1 Corinthians 15:55). Assurance of his destination mingled with sadness in those moments, yet it was still one of the best memories of my life. Grounded in hope, the time was deeply spiritual and earthly in nature.

Remembering my dad is pleasant, but my relationship with my heavenly Father is a daily and eternal joy. And that’s the way my dad would like it. So sometimes, I write a letter to my heavenly Father, the One who saved my soul. Have you ever done this? If you know God through faith in Jesus His Son, then you know what a close relationship you can have with Him. God truly draws near to those who draw near to Him(James 4:8). If you have time today for some solitude, consider writing a letter to your heavenly Father. 

       Ways to get started:

• Read chapters in Psalms with worship themes, and spend time thanking and praising the Lord for who He is and what a good heavenly Father He is to you.
• Find some songs from your playlists or search for some about our Father. Selah has a song entitled, “How deep the Father’s love for us.” Amy Grant, “My Father’s Eyes,” and Chris Tomlin’s “Good Good Father” are just a few.
• Find a notebook and start writing. Thank Him for all you’ve been reminded of about Him in the Psalms and your songs.
• Make it personal. Thank Him for everyday rescues, interventions, and solutions brought to your mind. Thank Him for His faithfulness and daily provision. 
• Lastly, thank Him for saving your soul. Thank Him for the cross. Thank Him for the promise of His presence through life. Thank Him for His goodness. Thank Him for His care. Thank Him for your heavenly home being made for you. 

My dad knew the One who had saved his soul. The song, “Because He lives” was a favorite of his. My dad was sure of his destination, and this assurance gave him hope on this earth.

No matter who your earthly father was or is, if you know God through faith in His Son, Jesus, you have a relationship with an all-knowing, loving, and gracious heavenly Father. He will love to receive your letter.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. I John 3:1

©Valerie Rumfelt