To live is Christ and to die is gain. That is what the apostle Paul said (Philippians 1:21.)

Oddly enough, I totally get the “dying is gain” thing. Heaven, peace, joy, basking in the presence of God? Yep, all gain. So, why do I struggle with the other part? What is it about “to live is Christ” that seems elusive? Why do I insist on making living about things? About people? About haves and have nots and worries and wants?

I think about Simeon. After the shepherds saw the angel and the wise men saw the star, Simeon saw the Christ.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. – Luke 2:25-26

He would not see death until he saw Christ. For Simeon, to live was Christ. The only reason he still drew breath was because he had not yet seen Christ. Each day that dawned was a new opportunity to seek the Savior.

And those who know your name put their trust in you,
    for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. – Psalm 9:10

Lord, make me a woman who desperately wants to know you more. Take my focus off of worthless things (Psalm 119:37) and keep my gaze on you. And, should you come tomorrow with the clouds (Revelation 1:7), may I be found seeking you.