Today’s Daily Report will be the first in a series of posts. I did not intend for this to be anything more than a single report, but as I was writing what I thought would be a simple thought and perspective, it evolved into something with many more layers and much more depth. Over the next few days, I will present various perspectives from one simple photo taken on a recent visit I made, which prompted this original idea. I hope today’s report, along with those to follow, will provoke thought and personal evaluation. I also hope it will help us gain appreciation for these various perspectives.

Last week, I stopped by the cemetery on my way home. Some time had passed since my last visit, and I felt compelled to stop. In this cemetery are the graves of several church members, but that was not why I was visiting. I drove straight to the back, parked in my usual spot, and looked out the window. Under a large oak tree, a small grave marker contains the name of my daughter, Amanda. This little spot looked much different in 2001 when our family and friends gathered for her graveside service. While gazing, I could still feel the humidity of that August day and see the many people in attendance standing together in the shade of that tree.

Nearby areas of the cemetery look much different now as well. As my eyes shifted just a little to the right, I saw a large marker inscribed with the name “Neal.” Twenty years later, almost to the day, family and friends again stood here as we said goodbye to my mother. I was not ready for that day, as I assume I never would have been. I then shifted my gaze to the left, where a recently installed grave marker bears the name “Gray.” Just over a year ago, I had the privilege of conducting the graveside service for Mrs. Lee Ann Gray. Surveying the view before me, I said aloud, “I never could have imagined this scene this way 20 years ago.”

However, God did not wonder about it; He knew it. Amazing!

This unassuming spot represents many things to me:

This little spot represents grace.

I know God’s grace is real. I not only have experienced it here, but I have seen others experience it as well.

This little spot represents finished races.

Those resting here, whom I reflected on that day, finished their races. God had called them home to say, “Well done.” This encourages and motivates me to finish my own race.

This little spot represents shared lives.

A daughter, a mother, a granddaughter, a grandmother, a friend, and a pastor’s wife—all these relationships are represented in this spot. What a joy it is to share our lives with those we love!

This little spot represents friendship.

The Neal family owns this little area in the cemetery. It was purchased after Amanda passed away. When Mrs. Gray went to Heaven, two spots were gifted to the Grays. This area is a lasting testimony of true biblical friendship.

This little spot represents time.

Much has happened in 20 years. Time did not stop when we first gathered here for Amanda. Time marched on; much life has been lived.

To me, this little spot represents Heaven, a reminder of eternal life.

I have shed many tears at this place. I have said “goodbye for now” to loved ones. Despite that, I do not think of death here but of Heaven and eternal life. Many times in the past, I have walked away from this spot overwhelmed by grief. However, this place is not a representation of the end but of the beginning of eternity and of a future reunion day.

That day in the cemetery, I stepped out from my vehicle to take the photo included with this writing. Pausing for a moment, I took a breath as I considered the scene as it is now, drastically different from how it appeared 20 years ago. I could not help but contemplate how this little spot will look in 20 more years. Sighing, I returned to my vehicle with the thought,

“Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Time to get back to work.