Upon my arrival at work on Wednesday, I was informed that a coworker, Larry, had died during the night. I was stunned! I spoke with Larry on Tuesday and nothing seemed to be amiss. He was smiling and friendly, as he always. Yet Larry, at 54 years of age, had suffered a massive heart attack and passed away without any warning.
Larry was a “salt-of-the-earth” guy. The kind of man the world could use more of. Larry did everything with a smile. In fact, Larry received an award in May entitled, “We couldn’t do it without you.” His nominator wrote that Larry was “flexible support with a smile.”
Outside of work, Larry was supportive and helpful to those around him. He donated time to tutor at-risk children and volunteered with hospice. He taught Sunday school and VBS at his church, where he also served as chairman of the deacon board.
I will miss seeing Larry’s smiling face at work each day and our frequent chats. However, I take great comfort in knowing that Larry is in Heaven. Larry did not make it to Heaven because he was a wonderful man, although he was. And Larry isn’t in Heaven because he was kind to those in need or faithful in church attendance. Rather, Larry is in Heaven because Jesus Christ loved Larry (and you and me) so much that He died on a wooden cross to pay the penalty for our sins. Larry believed that and invited Jesus Christ into his heart. Larry accepted Jesus’s free gift of salvation. This gift is available to all who will call on the name of Jesus.
When Larry left work on Tuesday evening, he had every intention of coming back to work Wednesday morning. He was looking forward to many years left on earth. I don’t think Larry had any thought that Tuesday would be his last day on earth. Fortunately, Larry was prepared for death when it came.
If today turns out to be your last day on earth, are you prepared to enter eternity? If not, I urge you to accept Jesus’s free gift of salvation today. None of us are promised tomorrow.
Susan's Reflections 
My heart goes out to you and all of Larry’s friends and family, Susan. I am glad there is peace knowing he is with Jesus.
Thanks, Lenore. It is a comfort knowing he’s in Heaven.