A Time to Remember ~

The following song lyrics say it all:

Don’t be mad if I cry
It just hurts so bad sometimes
‘Cause everyday it’s sinking in
And I have to say goodbye all over again

You know I bet it feels good to have the weight of this world
Off your shoulders now
I’m dreaming of the day
When I’m finally there with you
 Save a place for me
Save a place for me
I’ll be there soon
I’ll be there soon
Save a place for me
Save some grace for me
I’ll be there soon
I’ll be there soon

I have asked the question why
But I guess the answer’s for another time
So instead I’ll pray
With every tear
And be thankful for the time I had you here


And I wanna live my life
Just like you did
Make the most of my time
Just like you did
And I wanna make my home up in the sky
Just like you did
Oh, but until I get there
Until I get there

Save a place for me

Save a place for me
I’ll be there soon
I’ll be there soon

The above song was recorded by Matthew West.  It is a beautiful song that perfectly says how myself and so many others feel in this time of mourning.  My prayers continue for the sweet family of this precious young man who was laid to rest on 4/11/12.  As a parent, I truly don't know how I could face this without Christ in my life.  Note that I didn't say it wouldn't be painful, because I have seen the pain written etched on the faces of the family members.  I know the pain is real.  The fact is they do have assurance and hope that they will see their beloved again when the time comes.  There will be a Homecoming and in that we can find hope and know that this season will pass.  God is merciful.  He is full of grace.  He, above any of us here on earth, knows the depth of sorrow being experienced.  But, there is more - because this young man believed in Christ, because this family believes, there is the hope of eternal life that they can (we can) cling tightly to.

Like I said in my post "A Time to Mourn", the body is not the abode of the soul.  We are merely in vessels that were never meant to last forever.  Some vessels last well past a century, some vessels are only meant to last a short time.  We are made to serve for a time predetermined and, sadly, many of us fail to realize this until faced with our own mortality.  This brings to mind a song that Francesca Battistelli released on her debut album "Paper Heart" called 'Time In Between':

You were there when your Father said

Let there be light
You obeyed when He whispered
Son, You have to leave tonight
To spend nine months in a mothers womb
Three days in a borrowed tomb


(Chorus One)
But it’s the time in between
That brings me to my knees
Knowing you came for me
And all that I can't be
I'm amazed, so amazed
And I thank You for the time in between


Don't take much for this crazy world
To rob me of my peace
And the enemy of my soul
Says You’re holding out on me
So I stand here lifting empty hands
For you to fill me up again


(Chorus Two)
But it’s the time in between
That I fall down to my knees
Waiting on what You'll bring
And the things that I can't see
I know my song’s incomplete
Still I'll sing in the time in between


So many ways
Your love has saved the day
And I'm grateful for them all


(Chorus 3)
But it’s the time in between
The middle of two thieves
That says everything
It’s the reason I believe
I'm amazed, so amazed
And I thank you for the time in between
Oh Lord, I thank you for the time in between

I love this precious family of whom I speak.  They have been there for me in some of the darkest times.  They have helped me through some really rough patches.  I am still kicking myself because I can't be more than a prayer warrior for them, that I can't be more than a person that takes up space.  It's hard to know that mere words of mouth will not be sufficient comfort.  The only One Who is, and this is where I rest, and will always be more than sufficient is the One true God Whom this family fully is reliant upon.

Blessings ~
W