As a child reclines in the womb of his mother, there comes a day when he must leave that place. As the pains of labor begin, it must be absolutely shocking to this child. His mind races, fear and uncertainty pursue him. "I don't want to leave this place! I'm warm and comfortable, all my needs are being met here!" That must be the thought racing through the mind of the infant in such turmoil. Then, after what must seem like infinite trauma, the child is delivered. He is pulled from the warm and comfortable womb into the bright and cold world... And the very first thing the child experiences is the greatest love he could imagine as he is laid upon the breast of his mother. She and dad will hold him and feed him, and shower him with immeasurable love. What a joy! What was the child thinking! Now he is glad for the journey down the birth canal. As hard as it was, it was worth it, for now he is united with mom and dad.

Well, time marches on. We live and love and grow. We like it here on earth because it's pretty, all our needs are met. We're comfortable. But the effect of sin makes the pains of labor begin again. It becomes an act of labor to walk, to read, to eat, even to breath. Because of sin, we must die. "BUT I'M COMFORTABLE HERE!" we cry! Still, the time comes, and we must make the journey.

I have no indication or recollection that it is so with the first trip, but I know that the second trip will be made with aid from others. For those of us who believe in Christ Jesus as Lord, He sends His angels to aid us on the journey, and we are born away to heaven, where we are laid upon the breast of our Savior, our righteous and merciful King of Kings.

What love He showers upon us! What rest He grants us as we are united with Him in our eternal Sabbath rest! How unimaginable it is, that paradise, that warmth and love, to be united with God. For the first time, all, and I mean *ALL* our needs will be met.

Allen Kalchert, beloved father and grandfather has made the journey. The angels have carried him and, confessing the Faith and fed with the life giving body and blood of his Lord Jesus Christ, he is now in the presence of Him who gave His life for us, experiencing unimaginable love and peace.

Hard as it is, it is worth the trip.

It's hardest for us. Part of the difficulty of the trip is watching others leave before us. I wouldn't mind a postcard, or even a yellow "sticky note" telling me "all's well, wish you were here!" But "faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" so I will cling to that which God has given me, my faith in Him, and His own faithfulness, the waters of my baptism, and the bread and wine which are Christ's body and blood, given for me to make sure I make the same trip.

We cry. We will heal, but we will never forget. God comforts us, and He will wipe the tears from our eyes, just as He has already done for grandpa.

All men living are but mortal,
Yea, all flesh must fade as grass;
Only through death's gloomy portal
To eternal life we pass.
This frail body here must perish
Ere the heavenly joys it cherish,
Ere it gain the free reward
For the ransomed of the Lord.

Therefore, when my God doth choose it,
Willingly I'll yield my life
Nor will grieve that I should lose it,
For with sorrows it was rife.
In my dear Redeemer's merit
Peace hath found my troubled spirit,
And in death my comfort this:
Jesus' death my source of bliss.

Jesus for my sake descended
My salvation to obtain:
Death and hell for me are ended,
Peace and hope are now my gain;
Yea' with joy I leave earth's sadness
For the home of heavenly gladness,
Where I shall forever see
God, the Holy Trinity.

There is joy beyond our telling,
Where so many saints have gone;
Thousands, thousands, there are dwelling,
Worshiping before the throne,
There the Seraphim are shining,
Evermore in chorus joining:
"Holy, holy, holy, Lord!
Triune God, for aye adored!"

Patriarchs of sacred story
And the prophets there are found;
The apostles, too, in glory
On twelve seats are there enthroned
All the saints that have ascended
Age on age, through time extended,
There in blissful concert sing
Hallelujahs to their King.

O Jerusalem, how glorious
Dost thou shine, thou city fair!
Lo, I hear the tones victorious
Ever sweetly sounding there.
Oh, the bliss that there surprises!
Lo, the sun of morn now rises,
And the breaking day I see
That shall never end for me.

Yea, I see what here was told me,
See that wondrous glory shine,
Feel the spotless robes enfold me,
Know a golden crown is mine.
Thus before the throne so glorious
Now I stand a soul victorious,
Gazing on that joy for aye
That shall never pass away.