A Better Place

Eric Gwin - The Calling

Lyrics

A Better Place

Words and Music by Eric Gwin.

The Story Behind the Song

From the album liner notes:

"This song was written in memory of two wonderful people: Carrie Elliot and H.M. "Red" Law, both of whom were true blessings to all who knew them. It is my prayer that this song may serve as a comfort to all who have lost someone close to them. There is truly no better place than in the presence of God."

Mrs. Carrie Elliot was one of the most giving, most caring, most loving people I have ever met. She was one of the leaders in the Ladies' Ministry at my home congregation of Vaughn Park. When I was in the hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, recovering from my bout with pancreatitis, I received a wonderful "get well" card from Carrie with some very encouraging words written inside. At that time, she was in the same hospital, battling cancer. It was quite humbling for me to find out that she was lying in a hospital bed, thinking about me and all the other people from our church who were sick. When she passed away a few weeks later, I had the honor of being part of a group who sang at the funeral.

Mr. H.M. "Red" Law was my wife's Grandfather. He was one of these guys who seemed like a "grumpy old man" the first time I met him: World War II Veteran, tough as nails. But once I got to know him, I found out that he was a good man who cared deeply for his family and loved his God very much. Meloney has this great picture of him smiling (a rare occurrence!) as he watched his great-grandchildren playing. Underneath his gruff exterior, he had the heart of a servant, willing to help anyone who needed it. When he passed away after a long battle with cancer in 2004, I was blessed with being a pallbearer at his funeral.

The loss of these great people started me thinking about the transition from this life into the next. We get so uneasy and even scared when we think about death. What are we afraid of? I'll admit, I get frightened at the thought of dying some day, but I really shouldn't be frightened at all. I know that God is preparing a place for me in Heaven that is so much greater than anything I've ever seen! We have so much to look forward to!

The Lyrics

Though the seasons of life are changing, and my body seems weary and worn,
There is one more journey that I still need to make.
I didn't come here to be remembered, but to be ready for what's to come.
What I leave behind doesn't really matter at all.
I have waited my life for this moment,
And I won't wait any more.

Chorus: I believe in a place that's nothing like anything we'll ever see in this life.
It's better than life in this world.
Don't weep as you see the end of this life drawing near.
There's a place that's better than here.

Though we knew this moment was coming, still it seems to be coming too soon.
The longer we live, the faster time passes by.
Just remember, it's just the beginning. No, nothing is over and done.
There's much more ahead than what we leave behind.
I have waited my life for this moment,
And I won't wait any more.

Chorus

Bridge: Don't cry for me (There's no need to be afraid).
I've been set free (I am going home).

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