God put within each one of us a desire to keep on living—and in itself that isn’t wrong. God wants us to take care of ourselves, and He also understands your desire to be with your family as long as possible.

But God has also opened the door to heaven for us, and once we understand how glorious heaven is we won’t cling as closely to the things (and people) of this world. Heaven is so glorious that God was willing to send His only Son into the world to die for our sins and make it possible for us to go there. The Bible says, “In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope … into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4).

At the beginning of each day, thank God for giving you another opportunity not only to enjoy life but also to serve Him. Then ask Him to help you make the most of whatever time He gives you. Will your family only remember you because you were a good person – or will they also remember you because you loved God and wanted them to love Him as well? Pray for them, and ask God to help you point them to Christ.

Then thank God also for the hope we have of heaven. Someday, we all will die—but for the Christian, death is only the gateway to life with God forever. What a glorious hope!