Thank-you Lord (For Those We Still Have)

Somehow in the course of conversation last week,

with my now 4 year old grandson something made him say, 

'but Gramma, you're not going to die!"

and I told him 'no, not until God says,  all the days I made for you

are done! then I will die.'

'ohhh, he replied, 'just like Lucy!' (My sister)

His comment caught me so off-guard I got choked up

as I said 'yes, just like Lucy. I still miss her so much.'

'Oh well, at least you still have Marlene!'

Grandson reminded me, and I smiled though my tears.

'Yes, and Carolyn and Cheryl!' (my other sisters) 

Out of the mouth of babes...

Aren't you thankful for all those

'we still have' as we mourn together and comfort each other;

Family, church family, neighbours and friends. 

(but, all this to say, no one ever takes the place fully

 of the loved one we dearly miss!

and no earthly comforter can quite take the place of  our Heavenly One)

Ps.147:3

He heals the brokenhearted
    and binds up their wounds.

Matt.5:4

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

~Jesus

With Thy Holy Spirit, Lord

With the power of Thy Word

With the Armour of Thy sword

Comfort us, we pray

Through the fellowship of prayer

Through each others griefs we bear

Through dark valleys of despair

Comfort us today

Cheering sorrow with sweet peace 

With the joy of hope's increase

Till all shadows of death cease

In Thy Presence where

No more death will enter in

No more consequence of sin

No more tears or pain. amen

In Thy Presence there 

Let not sorrow paralyze

Faith from pressing to the Prize

To the home of no goodbyes

With Thee evermore

Guard the place where Longing smarts

Touch and heal our broken hearts

With comfort Thy love imparts

Till this life is o'er

Thank-you for those 'we still have'

Fellow-friends to help us brave

Life's sojourn-ey through the grave

To Thee, face to face

Thank-you for our hope in Thee

Throughout all eternity

Till love, without grief will be

Sorrow's resting place 

Janet Martin

1 Cor.15:19

If only for this life we have hope in Christ, 

we are of all people most to be pitied. 

2 Corinthians 4:18
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen,

 but on what is unseen. 

For what is seen is temporary,

 but what is unseen is eternal.