Dan Cooper's Blog

In 1989, my friend, John Smith, was stuck at the DFW Airport.  What do you do when you are stuck at a big metropolitan airport for three hours?  Well, John went to the airport chapel.  There he found a small, plain room with fourteen Bibles, straight chairs, and a stained glass window.  There was a guest register there, too; and John began reading the entries.

Beside one name were these words: “Today is my birthday…and I am stranded here alone.”  Then, it continued, “God, help me to get home—and help them to want me.” Home should be a place where we are wanted.  Home should be where they celebrate your birthday.

I celebrated my 59th birthday on Wednesday; and it struck me that three of our church family members will see no more earthly birthdays.  Between January and March of this year, we lost these dear friends: Tanya McBride (Jan. 1), Harry DuBrink (Jan. 8) and Sue Schneider (Mar. 21). I miss them, in the here and now!

But on the other side of death’s door, there was an angelic host waiting to greet them;  and the angels sang the celestial version of “Happy Birthday.”  With great rejoicing the angels sang, “Welcome home!  Today is your birthday!” They went on and sang more, “We’ve been waiting for you!  This is where you belong.”

“There’s a home prepared, just over in the glory-land!” the song says.  You will be loved.  You will be welcomed. And they will celebrate your birthday there!

Dan the Preacherman