I'll miss you, Dale.

Heard the tragic news this evening that my friend Dale was killed in an automobile accident today. I guess I'm just looking for a place to gather some thoughts, and this is the sounding board of choice.
I am still in shock, even though the news immediately brought tears to my eyes. I am horrified at the loss - for this earth...yet I know it's Heaven's gain. Dale was a Godly man - loved Jesus - and served Him faithfully. He will be welcomed in Heaven, and with a twinkle in his eyes, he'll say "Sweet!"
I hate what death does to this earth. I praise God for the victory over death - the sting is gone for believers, because we are assured of eternal life with the Lord. But too often the enemy gets in and takes out one of our own, and it really makes me mad. I have bought 5 sympathy cards in the last 3 weeks. It's not a routine I want to develop, yet this earth is sentenced to suffer the consequences of the fall. And death will ironically be part of this life - until Jesus returns to take us all home. Lord, hasten the day.
Until then, I'll miss you Dale. I'll miss your smile, and your hugs at church. I'll miss seeing you worshipping with such passion. But I am confident of this - you've only begun to worship. What you now behold face to face is the fuel for our worship - and one day, we will join you on those streets of gold - together all believers will proclaim "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty!" Til we meet again, Dale, I love you brother.