It's amazing when you consider all that most of us are given when we are born. The ability to see, touch, smell, taste, think. None of these things are possessions in and of themselves. Yet the very essence of life lends itself to wonder. Some of these are enjoyed as God-given senses and abilities throughout our time on earth. Some people waste the gift of life and never truly enjoy its fullness.
"...naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord." Job 1:21.
Thirty-seven years today, my son entered this world. A few years ago he left this world. The Lord gave him to me for a while--to love, to cherish, to enjoy. The Lord has taken him home now. While he took nothing with him but his soul, Chad's treasures of love, kindness, generosity and goodness preceded him. I know many of these treasures. His two little girls remember many of the best of all he was to them. So even though he is not here in body, he is always here in spirit. For we are all one in Christ. And in Christ, we know he lives eternally--just as we do. "Blessed be the name of the Lord." Indeed, He is blessed! selahV
[© SelahV Today, hariette petersen, 2008]
God bless you in your time of remembrance for your son, SelahV.
I wanted to give you some verses from the ESV. It gives us a strong hope. And I rather like the added encouragement that those in Christ who died first will be raised first. It just seems right somehow, that death would be conquered first for the ones who have fallen asleep, then for us also at His coming (here's to hoping that He will return in our lifetimes).
1Th 4:15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
1Th 4:17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
1Th 4:18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Posted by: Byron | August 25, 2008 at 06:32 PM
I cannot (don't want to) imagine what it is like to lose a little one; even if they are grown. May your memories of him comfort you during this time--those are special indeed. And may those grandchildren spur you on to love and good works for them another day. :)
God bless you!
Posted by: Tony | August 25, 2008 at 07:47 PM
Byron, thanks so much for your balm of encouragement. I treasure them. selahV
Posted by: selahV | August 25, 2008 at 08:52 PM
Tony, Thanks so much. Memories are such a gift in times like these. I've recalled many precious times with him today. His girls had a wonderful first day of school and were so happy when I called tonite. That is the greatest blessing a grama could want. The Lord fills me with all He is to do all I can to bring a bit of joy to them when we are together. I am so grateful for their love. selahV
Posted by: selahV | August 25, 2008 at 08:56 PM