This is a phrase from a song that I’ve heard my whole life. It’s a phrase I’ve used many times in the ten years since my dad’s death. Just recently, something occurred to me. Whenever I say that “Heaven’s sounding sweeter” because a saint has just entered its gates, am I saying that Heaven could be made sweeter than it already is?

The little girls are memorizing Luke 2:8-14, the story of Christ’s birth. Verse fourteen proclaims the angels’ words that starry night “Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth, peace, good will toward men.” Every day when we recite this passage, we can’t help but glow with excitement over those words! Heaven is the home of the tiny babe about Whom those angels were singing so many centuries ago. What could be greater, or sweeter than our Savior? Absolutely nothing!

When we pause to ponder it, we realize that Heaven could never gain in sweetness. When a loved one who lightened our load and brightened our corner leaves this sin-cursed world for Heaven, it is not Heaven that is altered in beauty, but Earth. Heaven does not gain in sweetness, splendor, or beauty; but Earth – most certainly – loses some of it.

My world became darker that day God called my dad Home. I lost a friend. I lost a person who understood me when no one else could. I lost his smile, his laugh, his silly songs, his whistling and his hugs. Despite my loss on Earth, I still must praise my Creator. He has walked with me every step of the way, turning my sorrow into dancing. Through the valleys of this life, He is holding me, teaching me, loving me and comforting me. The best part of all is that I will see my loved ones again – through Christ. But as the song says, I long to see my Savior first of all.

I want to praise the Lord for His tender mercies. May He be exalted on Earth as He is in Heaven.

With love,