Today I joined a room full of hundreds of people as we celebrated the life of a man who left this earth far too soon. Through tear-filled eyes, I witnessed my precious friend dancing her last time before her beloved husband. I honestly don’t know how she found the strength to even step up on that stage, much less move so gracefully to their favorite song. It must have been Almighty God carrying her along...
It’s impossible to understand why some things happen the way they do...why a father of four beautiful daughters had to leave them so prematurely...why my dear friend is left to sleep alone in a bed where her love laid beside her just a few short days ago...why it all had to happen right before the most joyful time of the year – Christmas.
My mind cannot find any answers to these questions; the more I try to figure them out, the more I am left puzzled and confused. And so, as many of faith do, I must relinquish my questions and lift them to the One who knows all, sees all, and whose heart breaks along with ours...
It’s so difficult to move on once a life has been taken from among us. It makes us all realize the magnitude of our frailty and the precious nature of this life. It forces us to bow down to our Creator and, if even through tears, remind ourselves that someday He will make all things new.
Until that time, though it hurts, we must trust. We must grab hold of each precious loved one and moment we are given. And when we don’t understand the mysteries or devastation we face, may each of us remember to lift our eyes and praises to our Jesus. For He is the one who stepped down to earth over 2000 years ago in the form of a helpless babe so He could, once and for all, take away the eternal sting of death and sin.
What a comfort to know that we who love Christ will not be separated from our loved-ones forever. One day in the future unknown, we will be gloriously reunited with those we hold so dear and will join together in the presence of our mighty Savior!
And for this gift, through tears tonight, I praise You, my Jesus. It is quite probable that during my time on earth, I will never understand why Mark was taken from us. But it is not my job to understand or even question. After all, You are God, and I am not. You hold the world in Your arms and each of our hearts in Your priceless, nail-scarred hands. You are a friend to the lonely, father to the fatherless, husband to the widow, and Savior to the lost...
Thank You for working all things out for the good of those who love You. I can’t fathom how You will turn this tragedy around to become a blessing, but I know You faithfully will. It is so hard to pick up the jagged pieces left by death, but it is comforting to know You are the One who glues lives and hearts back together.
Thank You for being awesome, compassionate, and understanding. Thank You for sweeping this young man into one of Your loving arms, and the loved-ones he left behind into the other. Though we do not understand, we will continue to tearfully praise You tonight and forevermore, our Sovereign, beautiful God...
"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'" Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)
In Loving Memory,
Katie Marie
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