Death is strange to me. I've seen lots of it, and understand the physical and spiritual workings, but here one second and gone the next is still strange. It is natural. We are all accounted to die once and after this the judgement as the Bible tells us.
I've witnessed the last breath, the deep inhale, but inability to exhale. It just seems strange, alive one second and not the next. I always want it to be strange; I certainly do not want to get use to it. All we know is that we wake up each day; we personally don't know the finality of it. Sure I died ...they tell me, but all I know is that I'm still here.
Each day seems another chance, but the chances do end, and sometimes unexpectedly. Chances for what? Well, this depends on the individual. For me, it's another day to worship and give him the praise that he deserves, another day to be used by him and for him. These are not just words to me ...the right words for a Christian to speak. This is why I live, and why I want to. It seems that I don't want these to end, but all things come to an end. Each day is full of ancillary activities, sometimes to an overwhelming perspective. I pray for another day to worship with the Free Will that he has given me. I do not have to do it; He's giving me the desire to do it. It's a desire that I ask for "...Give me the Grace to worship You the way you desire ...in Spirit and in truth" as Jesus told the woman at the well.
Daily life seems busy to me ...for an old handicap guy, but in the midst of all the physical that one could see watching me, there's a greater purpose that is actively, perpetually being manifested. I'm aware of it; I feel it; I see it; I'm involved in it. It's the multifaceted working of the Holy Spirit. It's relationship with the Father. It's really knowing Him. The Bible describes different levels of spiritual maturity with the Father. The old KNOW God, not old physically, but the old in Christ.
Death is inevitable with outreaching impact. We mourn for those who mourn, and this as well is an opportunity for God to work through us, another chance for us surviving. God is always working; I want to be a part of it or I want to join the deceased.
At a time of death, it seems a time for us to think about our spiritual position with the Father. With chances ending for one before us, we seek purpose in the opportunities that lie beneath the routine.
A relationship with the Father is real. I do not know where any of you are in your walk with Him; I only know where He has met me and lifted me. Today is a day of chances for us all, but tomorrow we do not know. Today is not just another day; it's a day for purpose. Let's seek this understanding.
Sorry for your loss squirrelhunter. Let me know if I can help in any way.