These are the only two things that are certain…life and death, a beginning and an end. Neither of which we have any control over. Only God knows the number of our days. Romans 8:36-39 says As it is written: ”For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. This past Saturday (April 18th) marked the sixth death that has touched our family since February 12th. Today was the funeral of the youngest of those, just missing his fourth birthday by less than a month.
The weather was so fitting for the day, what a reflection of the emotions that were pouring out. It would rain and then the sun would shine or the sun would pierce right through the dark clouds and rain. It was almost as if the weather was confused, torn and caught in the middle, not knowing which way to turn. That of immense joy coming from the heavens, the sun beaming out and then the crying out of sorrow on earth, the rain clouds releasing their heavy burden. Until at last they both retreated and there was a peace.
I have to say beginnings in comparison to farewells, are by far, so much more fun to be a part of. How envious I am of those who are celebrating a new beginning, where ends never come. Revelations 21:4,5 says: He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, ”I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” I am reassured, even though my heart is heavy, that when I have finished my race, I too will be greeted by angels singing “Sweet Victory”!
In Memory and Celebration of New Life
Milan Capobianco, Sydney SpaDorcia, Ann Baker, Rich Haven, Don Hamilton and Braeden Burgess
