Saving a Seat for those We Love.

Last week a counselor in my ward(congregation) passed away. 

He was young, his youngest child is close to my age. 

He led a lovely life and is one of the best examples of a disciple of Christ anyone could ever ask for; he brought us all together through his happy quiet example.  

It's clear through his actions that he loved and respected his wife and family and also lived what he believed.

I don't think it was possible to be down hearted after talking to him, even if it was just passing in the hall.

As the announcement of his passing was made at church on Sunday I was standing in the back by the door to the chapel waiting to usher in new people and late-comers. 

That old familiar ache came when you know that someone is so close but worlds away at the same time.

It felt like he was going to walk up the front steps to the church and into the foyer at any moment. 

I couldn't stop looking at that front door, I wanted to wave him in like I had the last few people. 

My mind was convinced he was just running late, or, was getting something from his car even as the words trickled down from the podium.

Maybe that's what it will be like when we are happily reunited with those we love who have passed on;

it will be simple. 

We'll be doing something natural/normal like sitting in church with a seat saved for our loved ones who are just running a little late--maybe they even came in a different car, you just got there first. 

The second they're able to, they'll come in, someone will point out where your family is sitting and just like it always was before, they'll sit down; then everything will feel complete. 

Of course there will be tears and hugs. 

There always needs to be tears and hugs at these sort of long awaited reunions. 

I'm excited for the moment this beautiful family will get to be together again.