Comfort

I just returned from the funeral of a friend's father.  I did not know the man who died, but I know his family...so, perhaps I did know him.  I was struck last night at the visitation just how much my friend looks like his mother.   Perhaps, not so much in similar features, but more in the sweetness that shines from both.  Talking to them, I know they are both comforted in the knowledge that their loved one is now well and whole.  One of the granddaughters said how wonderful it was that her grandfather would be celebrating Christmas with Jesus.  The comment of a faithful believer. 

Even as they expressed great sadness at the loss of the family patriarch, there was deep gratitude that the decline was rapid, and could be spoken of in terms of weeks and days, and not months or years.  Sentiments of those who truly love selflessly.

As is true in most church of Christ funerals, we sang hymns.  The leader of the songs said that we would "just do the best we could" without the music.  And, it was lovely.  We sang of God's great faithfulness.  We sang of how that faithfulness brings peace and wellness to our souls.  We sang of the great joy that will be had when we all get to heaven.  We know those words.  We have heard them all our lives.  There was no faltering.  Four part harmony, blending together, praising the Father....words believed and trusted by the man we had come to memorialize.  We are dependant upon the truths sung in those hymns.  We are comforted by the words, the harmonies, and the memories they invoke. 

I did not walk to the graveside, but I am confident that words of comfort were spoken.  The family is together now, sharing a meal provided by loving hands; sharing sweet stories of the husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather they all loved, and who loved them so well.  Each one will have to find their own way as they continue their walk without the physical presence of their dear one.  But, they will continue to benefit from his wisdom, his example, and his love as they travel on. 

So, for today, I wish you comfort in old hymns revisited, in sweet memories of those you have loved and still love, and, I wish you

blessings