Yesterday, I experienced something that reminded me just how short this life really is and that moment when we all face Jesus.

As part of my funeral director apprenticeship, I was entrusted with caring for someone who had just passed away. She was my aunt’s mom—my aunt through marriage—which made the responsibility especially meaningful. Before leaving the hospital, I paused to pray over her and asked God to watch over her. While only God knows the condition of every heart, I found myself praying that she is now standing in paradise, seeing our Lord Jesus Christ face to face.

On the drive home, the song I Can Only Imagine kept playing in my mind. What will it be like to finally see Jesus? Will we fall to our knees in worship? Will we stand in awe? Scripture doesn’t answer every detail, but it gives us the hope of eternal life through Christ.

Experiences like this remind me why our faith matters. Careers, money, possessions, and the worries of this world will all pass away. Our relationship with Jesus Christ is what lasts forever.

Please join me in praying for my aunt and her family as they grieve. And let this be a reminder to each of us to keep our eyes fixed on Christ, because life is brief, but eternity is forever.