Austin's Blog

The other day I saw someone say they were so sad for Gabriel and I was taken aback. Be sad for Valerie and I. Be sad for Addison. Be sad for all of Gabriel’s family, church, and friends, but don’t be sad for him. Make no doubt about it. My son who lived only 366 days is not being short-changed. He is experiencing things so joyful, so beautiful, and so majestic that human language likely isn’t sufficient to describe. He is in Heaven experiencing realities that make all others pale in comparison. Tim Keller writes, “We must realize that the most rapturous delights you have ever had—in the beauty of a landscape, or in the pleasure of food, or in the fulfillment of a loving embrace—are like dewdrops compared to the bottomless ocean of joy that it will be to see God face-to-face (1 John 3:1–3).” He is beholding the face of God.

Why is Heaven so sweet? Because heaven isn’t about playing celestial golf, sitting on clouds plucking harps, or one long choir meeting. Heaven is heaven because God is there. The most satisfying, blessed, and delightful being for whom our souls were made is in this far country and we get to glorify and enjoy Him forever. Gabriel is currently glorifying and enjoying Him forever. Jonathan Edwards notes, “God is the highest good of the reasonable creature. The enjoyment of him is our proper; and is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Better than fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of any, or all earthly friends. These are but shadows; but the enjoyment of God is the substance. These are but scattered beams; but God is the sun. These are but streams; but God is the fountain. These are but drops, but God is the ocean.” Gabriel is shining in the light of that sun. Gabriel is drinking deep of the fountain. Gabriel is swimming in the ocean.

Where he is, I will be later in time. He is being cared for in my absence. The Lord makes no mistakes and does no wrong. This does not remove the pain but it serves as a helpful guardrail that protects from despair, anger, and sin. He may be gone from my sight but he is not missing. I know where he is. He is more alive than I am right now. Randy Alcorn writes in his well-known book on heaven, “Meanwhile, we on this dying Earth can relax and rejoice for our loved ones who are in the presence of Christ. As the apostle Paul tells us, though we naturally grieve at losing loved ones, we are not “to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Our parting is not the end of our relationship, only an interruption. We have not “lost” them, because we know where they are. They are experiencing the joy of Christ’s presence in a place so wonderful that Christ called it Paradise. And one day, we’re told, in a magnificent reunion, they and we “will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18).” Be sad for Valerie, Addison, and myself. Be sad for our family, friends, and church. But don’t for one minute be sad for Gabriel.