My parents write a family newsletter each Christmas and Dad sticks in a reflection before getting to the family news. This year’s struck me so I thought I’d share it (with permission) here. So this is from my father, Roy Whittall and as a point of reference he’s 79 which apparently doesn’t yet qualify as elderly!

“I long to go to be with Christ, which would be far better for me…(Philippians 1: 26)

Two elderly Christian friends regularly say to us, ‘I want the Lord to take me’ and ‘I want to go, I’m ready!’ This is not our prayer – yet! Paul, who wrote these words, was in prison for his faith and was awaiting trial. I suspect that my friends want to be with the Lord because they want an end to their pain and suffering. When the time is right, He will call us home.

Paul was in a dilemma: He wanted to meet with His Lord face to face and he also wanted to stay on earth to help his fellow Christians to grow! He was totally consumed with Jesus Christ. He dominated his thinking; Jesus was the source of his strength, and his heart was full of joy because of all that Jesus meant to him. So, for Paul, dying physically was gain! It would mean a closer and uninterrupted union with his Saviour. He will have even more understanding; more knowledge; more joy and more adoration. He loved Jesus so much!

He wants to depart; to loosen the moorings; to break camp – to be with Jesus. But at the same time, he is aware of the need of the Philippian Christians who he loved so much. There was no fear of death for Paul. He was united with Jesus Christ and his faith in Him was real and wonderful. His ‘Damascus Road experience’ had changed him completely. He knew the presence of Jesus every day. He had the power of the risen Jesus to draw on, and he was looking forward to meeting Him and He couldn’t wait!

Wisely, he says that he will let God decide for him and His timing is perfect! As the years roll on, these thoughts tumble into our minds, but we are content to leave things with God – and not to worry or be anxious!