Do you have your reservation? Grandpa did.

(written July2, 2008 - Posted here to archive)

Last Monday, Grandpa passed away. Yesterday was his funeral. For the past few weeks, I've been thinking about what to say to honor him. Do I emphasize his accomplishments? Do I cry through how much I love him? Do I tell funny stories? What do I say?

One thing that I did do was create a one way ticket for Grandpa, a one way ticket to heaven. I was amazed at the response to it. So many people commented on it. And a few told me it would be a great witnessing tool. ---That got me thinking...how would you approach someone with it? The best I could come up with was "Do you have your reservation?"

Everyone knows what a reservation is. And the way that the airline industry is functioning today, everyone knows that the earlier you get your tickets the better. The same goes for a ticket to heaven. Except the currency that you use to purchase a ticket to heaven is faith, faith in Jesus Christ. Each individual must purchase their own ticket. There are no group rates. No discounts. No sales or 2-for-1 specials.

So just how do you make this reservation? "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31) What does that mean? It means that you believe that Jesus is who he said he is and that you accept that he died in your place to pay for your sins (everything you've done wrong) and rose again, conquering death, and is now in heaven, inviting you to join him. It means repenting (turning around from following your own way) and following Jesus. It really is that simple-and there really is just one way to heaven, however it takes a lifetime to apply and live out. I know Grandpa had his reservation. I have mine. Do you have yours?



BTW-here's what I ended up saying at the funeral:

If Grandpa were to introduce me, he'd tell you that I was his "favorite number one grand-daughter".

Grandpa wore a lot of hats in his lifetime. He was a sailor, a truck driver, and a motorcycle rider. He was a brother, a husband, a father and a friend. But I think the hats that he was proudest of were those of Grandpa and Great-Grandpa. He was a Grandpa seven times and a Great-Grandpa eight and a half times. Grandpa loved spending time with family. There were camping trips to Yosemite, and Newport Dunes in the motor home and trips (I've been told) to Cachuma. Any special event, birthday, graduation or wedding, Grandpa was there. Early.

Proverbs 18:24 says "A man who has friends must himself be friendly," That perfectly describes Grandpa. He was a friend to everyone, always willing to lend a hand to help with a project or to be there to help you celebrate a milestone. I only hope that I can live up to the example that he set for me. But that verse goes on to say "But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Grandpa knew that friend, as do I, and because of that I KNOW that I will see him again one day.

Some of you have seen to "One Way" ticket to Heaven that was made for Grandpa. Since Grandpa love trains, I got this picture of Grandpa riding to Heaven on a train. I can just imagine him pulling into Heaven's Station last Monday night. As he steps onto the platform there is a huge crowd of friends and family rushing to meet him, but leading the charge was the Lord Jesus. As he reached Grandpa, He swept him up into his arms and swung him around like a little boy and whispered in his ear. "Welcome home, my child. I missed you."


Grandpa, I wouldn't wish you back. I love you, so much and I will see you again soon.