[ampaterry]

That is indeed easier said than done, Jack -

hjsmith, I am happy and sad for you.
Happy that your daughter is following our Lord in Baptism.
Sad that you did not witness this joyous event.
I do indeed understand the feeling: MANY times I have driven home from work and wished DEARLY that I could dynamite our driveway bridge behind me, never to leave again.
But that is something we must fight against, because our purpose for living cannot be accomplished in solitude. I will keep this in prayer -

For today:

A man had a friend who enlarged his business. His sales had increased to the point that a larger warehouse and sales office were needed. Even though the move was a rather complicated and burdensome process, it was really a thing to be celebrated. For this reason, the man sent his friend some flowers on the day of his grand opening.
The flowers, however, were poorly handled and the businessman received a bouquet that was intended for a funeral. It was accompanied with a card which said: "My deepest sympathy during this time of sorrow." When the man called his friend on the phone to wish him well, he was confronted with the error, "Why in the world," said the businessman, "did you send me these sympathy flowers?" The man went immediately to the florist to demand an explanation. The florist met him outside the shop and was obviously upset. "I am terribly sorry about the mix-up with the flowers," he said, "but I hope you will be understanding. Your situation is not half as bad as the one down at the funeral home. The folks there received your flowers accompanied by the card which said: BEST WISHES IN YOUR NEW LOCATION."

I think the florist was wrong; that is the perfect wreath for the one deceased. Our desire is that their new location is a better one! But for the lost, that sympathy bouquet sent to the survivors applies also to the the one who has passed on.

Christ tells us:
Revelation 22:12-13;
“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last."

May we run a good race, and fight a good fight – and in the end – may we find ourselves in a joyous new location!