Journey's End

Grandpa, when you first arrived in heaven
Was it overwhelming to behold
Did you recognize apostles and prophets
Walking with angels down the streets of gold?

What is it like Grandpa, to experience
All that you've only read about before?
Can you even stand in God’s presence
Or do you find yourself worshiping faced down on the floor?

What was it like those first moments
Did your mouth stay opened wide
Seeing Jesus in His glory knowing
It was for this appointed time your Savior died?

I bet you didn't waste a single moment
But ran as fast as you could and with ease
To sit in the lap of your Master
Whom you lived to serve and please.

What is it like Grandpa
To be held in His strong embrace?
How wonderful it must be
When He looks at you with eyes of grace.

You talked to Him so often
His wisdom and counsel you did seek
By faith you trusted in His written word
What is it like to actually hear Him speak?

Through mountains, plains, and valleys
Your journey is over, you are finally home
I know you would tell us to persevere and keep on going
Because with God we are never alone.

I know you would encourage us
To rejoice and give thanks in trials large or small
Keeping our focus on the heavenly prize
Because being with Jesus is definitely worth it all.

You ran long and hard
And you have finished your race
Jesus is your reward
As you stand face to face.

No longer hindered
No longer held back
Your body is transformed
Nothing will you lack.

Free from worry, free from pain
Free from fear, all burdens gone
You stand perfected
In the presence of the Glorious One.

As soon as you left your body
85 years in your earthly shell
You stepped into eternity
Forever with your Savior to dwell.

In Loving Memory of Ernest G. Sanchez
My Wonderful Grandfather
November 1, 1923 – November 26, 2008

By Andrea Downs