Back from the Funeral

[Petros]

One of the very few non-family funerals I have attended or intend to - very longstanding very close colleague and friend. Herself knew her well as well, but could not come. We knew she had been for years very bitter toward God and the church. Before I set out, Herself says if only before dying she came back.

At the church, with more detail after, the story came out. After long bitterness, and with a lot of prayer, she came back. About 3 days before she ied, her family visiting, she had a vision of heaven.

We are - and her family is - very thankful.

[Maverick]

I rejoice with you, Petros. Praise the Lord!

[jochanaan]

God, Who is Love, has ways of drawing us back to Himself. Love, Who is God, is indeed the Strong Force. Praise His Name! Amen.

[nakedpreacher]

God is always gracious and patient unto repentance

[Petros]

I looked around before posting this - not sure where it best belong. This was last summer. Yesterday, another - a man in our organization - he was in fact the one who recruited me 2 decades plus ago - moved up. His wife preceded him years ago - they were wonderful people and very close, and it must have been hadd on him to have to wait. Another man in the organization - close to me but not as close - died a bit before my old colleague.

It is to be expected as timed passes - more and closer people step off the carousel. We miss these peoplem Herself and I. Not so much sad - we know where they are off to. But it is a litrtle lonely beiongf left behind. For now.

[Ramblinman]

As it turned out, the funeral was only a funeral for those left behind.
For the "deceased", it was a homecoming.
God be praised!
And thanks, to our beloved journalist, brother Petros for covering the story!

[Ramblinman]

But it is a litrtle lonely beiongf left behind. For now.

This matter does need addressing, too.
As I get older, I am left behind by people I would rather not lose sight of.
I have not lost them, but like a honking goose in a flock on its way northbound with the return of spring, I need the assurance of those familiar voices.

I have purposed to make young friends. I shall lose sight of them too, in time, but being alone and friendless is no good, and by the grace of God and a modest effort, not inevitable.