Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Again

What a lovely couple of days we've had. After the hardships of last week, we buried Tom and remembered him in a beautiful service on Saturday. Sunday was spent in peace, listening to my husband's sermon and having the added joy of an extra child in my Sunday School class, as well as several visitors for worship.

We slipped away yesterday, to a condo generously loaned to us for two nights. We've enjoyed the Winter Carnival here, romping in the snow, swimming at the local hotel's heated pool, and eating at actual restaurants - something we don't have ANY of in our small town. We've just begun to recharge.

And then this afternoon, my mother-in-law's father passed away. The wind is beginning to shake the windows again.

Death has lingered near us for two weeks now, three funerals. My sons listened quietly as we told them Grandpa Sam was gone, then returned to their play, already assimilating this kind of information quickly and with hope. Kevin and I looked at each other, assimilating the information, yes, but knowing that the week we just experienced is now to be continued. He has been asked to officiate again, so he begins preparing, meeting, comforting, writing yet another funeral sermon, as well as his usual sermon for Sunday.

We're in the trenches. This is what we entered ministry for - to minister. To bring the Word to the people, and to be present in their joy as well as their great need.

But I feel weak. My eyes have grown weary just this afternoon. The refreshed, happy feeling we've been carrying since Monday morning has slipped away, and the focus of this time here feels stolen. I'm cleaning the condo, packing little shoes and toys and toiletries, planning our hour and a half drive early tomorrow to coincide with Eliana's nap. And I'm fighting the bitterness that is rising in my throat, threatening to spew out in a way that will only make my husband's job more difficult.

Shh, beloved, bring him
good, and not harm. (Proverbs 31:12)

I humbly beg you for your prayers. Again. I so desire to look back on this time and see the grace that carried me through in an upright fashion. No regrets.

Pray for our family, and the loss of Grandpa Sam, who was ready to go, needed to go, if that makes any sense. For his wife, who is already fading herself and ready to join him. For their daughter, my mother-in-law, an only child. May we be a light to all those in need.

And again, I remember that He is not in the wind. So I let it fly right past me, and root myself deeply in His love and care. This too shall pass, and may I be the better for it.

It's not about me anyway.

19 fellow travelers shared:

Bethany said...

I hope you all are doing ok!
I hope you all feel rested soon!
See you tommorow!
Love you all,
Bethany

Andrea said...

Lifting you up, dear sister.

Anonymous said...

Elise?

I am praying for you.

~Stacy
www.homeschoolblogger.com/reformingmama

Anonymous said...

I'm praying for you and your family.

wendybirde said...

Prayers are on the wing Elise. Prayers for His strong arms around you and your family, prayers for Grace walking so softly by your side.

A gentle hug...Wendy

Maxine said...

He is not in the fire either. Listen for His still small voice and I'll be praying that He will sustain you. God's mercies to your family. Will pray for all of those folks in their loss. (I just today read the other posts.)

Randi said...

You are in prayers and my thoughts!

(((HUGS))) for you!

Beverly said...

Elise my friend,

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run to it and are safe." Prov 18:10

Run to your tower. I will be praying for you and your family. This must be so hard.

Cindi said...

I feel it a priviledge to uphold you and your family in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I will uplift you as God lays you on my heart throughout this next week as you wade through the sorrow. God is so good, and He can be glorified through all things.
Blessings,
Julie D.

Queenheroical said...

I add my prayers too. --Krina

Papa said...

Ditto from Papa & Mama - we are in the trenches together . . .

Anonymous said...

What a severe mercy you are enduring!

May you be assured that my arms are around you from far away.

Love to you.

S

Christine said...

Yea, though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil because You are with me.

Remember that! He is there right by your side, as your frustration and grief hit an all-time high, as your weariness threatens to overtake you, as you feel you cannot for one more minute take care of anyone else. Blessings to you, friend.

Laura said...

So sorry to hear about Grandpa Sam. Will be praying for y'all.

tonia said...

praying...and privileged to do so...i love to talk to Jesus about a friend.

Beka said...

Praying for you and your family, Elise! May God sustain, uphold, and comfort you.

Be still my soul, when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears;
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears;
Be still my soul, thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

bluemountainmama said...

so sorry to hear about this other loss in your life....may the God of peace embrace your family during this time.

Mindy said...

I am a minster's wife as well and was inspired by this blog. Thank you for sharing and it seems as though things are better for you and your family.

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