Goodbye, my friend Very tired this afternoon, and with lots to catch up on for tomorrow, but not so busy as to record a strange "first" and a reflection.

It's taken nearly seven years of ordained ministry to get here, but last night I had the privilege and sadness of helping some of my folks, my friends, see a member of their family, and our church family, slip away from this life and, all cliches aside, on to somewhere better.

I'd visited L just about every week for the past 15 months years (not to mention the weeks before, falling downstairs, or over the dog, or...) . Seen her struggle with the after-effects of her stroke. Laughed at her stories and reflections. Found my lap becoming her dog's best friend. And through it, always seen her faith, her smile and her laugh.

I'm grateful for my chance to read to her and pray with her yesterday afternoon, whether she could hear or not.

I was grateful for the phone call at 11.15, just as I was about to settle in.

And I was glad that even the silence and uncertainty that W, R and I shared together was helpful.

I will miss her, but I can rest in the knowledge that now she sees Jesus face to face where we can only see reflections and hints.

Spare a prayer for W & R and the family.

And goodbye, my friend.

Bring us, O Lord God, at our last awakening

into the house and gate of heaven,

to enter into that gate and dwell in that house

where there shall be no darkness nor dazzling

but one equal light;

no noise nor silence, but one equal music;

no fears nor hopes, but one equal possession,

no ends nor beginnings, but one equal eternity

in the habitations of thy glory and dominion.

Amen

Labels: Faith, Life

  ¶ 1:34 pm