Early this year I lost two people who were a small but meaningful part of my life.
On January 2nd, Gord, a good friend of our family, passed away after what felt like a short battle with cancer. Although he was a closer friend to our parents than to us kids, he always had interest in our lives, a word of encouragement, or a big hug to offer. I will miss his small but significant presence in my life. Thinking of him and how he lived his day to day life will always challenge me to deeply care for everyone around me. As we left the service of remembrance we were given paper white bulbs. Caroline included a note that said “touch another’s life subtly, such as a bulb spreads beneath the ground.” It was wonderful to have flowers blooming in the house during this particularly grey winter.
Then on February 13th, our great uncle John passed away. He too was another person who knew how to live in contentment. Uncle John was another person who always had a hug for us and always was always brimming with joy. Him and his wife opened their home and lives to many people over the years with Christ-like hospitality. At the celebration service the pastor read from Ecclesiastes 5 and Psalm 16. Both verses speak of trust in God as the holder of our lives and the keeper of our circumstances. Psalm 16 verses 8-11 says; “I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
These were words that were a good reminder for me as I have been going through my own season of restlessness and learning to trust God more. At the remembrance service for Gord I was also introduced to a song that has become a bit of an anthem for the past few months.
It Is Well
Grander earth has quaked before
Moved by the sound of His voice
Seas that are shaken and stirred
Can be calmed and broken for my regard
Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
Through it all, through it all
It is well
Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
It is well with me
Far be it from me to not believe
Even when my eyes can’t see
And this mountain that’s in front of me
Will be thrown into the midst of the sea
Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
Through it all, through it all
It is well
Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
It is well it is well
So let go my soul and trust in Him
The waves and wind still know His name (x3)
The waves and wind still know His name
It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well it is well with my soul (x2)
It is well it is well with my soul (x2)
Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
Through it all, through it all
It is well
Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
It is well with me
Life Section 