I went to a funeral for a stillborn baby today. Heartbreaking. The couple knew their baby only had a 3% chance of surviving because of a rare genetic condition. But that doesn’t lessen the pain. It’s beyond sad.

I have a few thoughts as I reflect on the funeral.

First of all, I’m more grateful than ever for my children. I don’t take them for granted. It makes me cherish every moment I have with them even more.

I get ticked off at the enemy who comes to steal, kill, and destroy! It just seems so tragic for a life to be cut so short. The parents will never see their little baby take her first steps or say her first words. You think of all that stolen potential. But I believe that God is in the business of giving back what the enemy takes away.

The parents won’t experience all the joys of raising their child on earth. But it’s at times like this where the hope of heaven is the only solace. I believe heaven is the place where each of us becomes who we were truly intended to be. In fact, God will reveal our true name. While the time here on earth was so short–a few months in the womb. They have all eternity to look forward to.

I’ve never heard of anyone doing this, but the dad is an artist. He painted a resurrection scene on the inside of of the casket. The little baby isn’t just looking at a picture. She’s experiencing the full reality of heaven right now!