Wonders

I had an eventful start to CNY.

Yesterday I saw two wonders. One was the wonder of nature (partial solar eclipse). The other one was the wonder of human's imaginations and inventions (fireworks show). Both are glorious things that can't be described by mere words and photos.

Another wonder happened in the middle of the night. I received news from afar, saying my grandfather has passed away. As expected. You see, my Akung (my dad's father) already knew his end was near. Yesterday he requested the family to call a pastor to come to his side to pray for him. That's how we all knew he would be gone sooner than later.

He had cancer. Already spreading around his body. Doctors said he would die in a matter of months, if not weeks. They were so wrong. He lived for another 5-6 years before his time finally came. Another wonder.

Am I sad? You bet. Sad, but not crushed, as I know he has gone to meet his Maker and to meet his beloved wife who had gone before him.

You know what, I'm glad that he has gone to a better place where there's no more suffering. It's good that he doesn't have to put up with the pains anymore. It's good to know that he's not having difficulty eating and drinking anymore. It's good to know that he has finally being released from his imperfect earthly body, waiting for the time when he can get a perfect body that can't be destroyed.

"Listen, I tell you a mystery:
We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed -
In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.

For the trumpet will sound,
The dead will be raised imperishable,
And we will be changed.

For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable,
And the mortal with immortality.

When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable,
And the mortal with immortality,
Then the saying that is written will come true:
"Death has been swallowed up in victory."

"Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?"

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God!
He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Akung's faith in God sustained him, so my faith and my family's faith will sustain us throughout our earthly journey.

Goodbye, Akung! It's been good to know you. 'till we meet again!

(I Corinthians 15:51-57)

P.S. I'm proud that my Akung went out with a "bang", during CNY festivities! :)