Friday, June 22, 2007

Evening's Song

This time of day seems to be an especially intimate time of day in terms of how close I feel to the Lord. Mornings have their unique joy;but evening has the added foreboding of night being imminent. Another day is closing out its' alotted time;forcing me to reflect upon what the day has brought. A bittersweet mixture of regrets,joys,victories,and new adventures greets me as I view the darkening skyline. In a way,I don't know whether I want to laugh,sing,cry,or just tune out.

I remember my grandmother's funeral about 12 years ago. The church was packed. I don't recall the words my uncle spoke on her behalf;but I do remember the hymn we sang.

'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus
just to take Him at His Word
just to rest upon His promise
just to know Thus saith the Lord

The atmosphere of the church was laden with that sweet ache of loss that is softened with the knowledge of the joy ahead for those who trust in Him. Images of my grandmother being in heaven on streets of gold danced through my mind. The memories that I had gathered over the years were precious.

I recall that evening after the funeral. The family had begun to scatter and had said their goodbyes. Our bonds had been strengthened,and our resolve to continue seeking the Lord had been given some extra backbone. The promise of glory was held up in remembrance and in expectation amid so many of the day's conversations. Lucy Watrous had gone home to be with Jesus, and we had gathered together to celebrate her life: it was a "home-going" celebration(the expression that my uncle used in the eulogy I hear...).

That evening was rich with emotion and a palpable yearning for heaven. The world would be different,but would retain the fragrance of her life. It was enough to bring that sweet ache to the doorstep of rejoicing.