Tuesday, May 12, 2009

It's not goodbye

This past week, the last "loose end" was tied when we received Christian's marker.
I know that many people feel guilty about not having a marker made right away. But really, what's the rush? It's hard enough to sum up your precious loved one's life in so few words without having to worry about a timeline. Besides, the marker is not for the person who has died, but for the people that are left behind-- for us! The final product was worth the wait and not rushing into decisions that we might later regret.


See the little oval on the right? There's a custom bronze frog right in the middle of it. When you lift the cover up, you see this:


There just doesn't seem to be enough years between those two dates up there. It reminds me that a successful life isn't the number of years lived, but that we fulfill God's purpose for our life in the time that we are given! It is not my place to question God-- He is The Creator and I am merely His creation. But I trust Him and I take Him at His Word.

It's not goodbye... it really isn't. It's more like see you in a little while.

I Thessalonians 4:13-18

"But I would not have you to be ignorant,brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Wherefore comfort one another with these words.


(This custom marker was made by CR Bronzeworks. We could not be more pleased with the quality of the marker and the care and professionalism of the staff.)

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I cannot express what's in my heart. The plaque is beautiful....yes, definitely not goodbye. How blessed we are to have such a hope and promise, and that though this life brings many heart-aches and tears they will all be wiped away and turn into laughter and rejoicing!

hugs and prayers

Jacque said...

It is beautiful. I love the frog! And the photo lift. How precious.
I agree.... not enough time in-between those dates.
:*(

See you in a little while Christian...
Love to you all.
Peace and joy, tears of happiness and a heart-filled with happy memories...

Waiting for the day... looking to the Father... listening for that Shofar.

blessings and Shalom~

Anonymous said...

I saw a link to your blog on Michelle Lumpkins facebook. As I was looking at it..it reminded me again of how great our God is. And even though we don't understand..He makes no mistakes. Thank you for loving Him and serving Him and trusting Him still. It truly blessed my heart.
Jodie Pierce
jodie3341@aol.com

7Sisters said...

HUGS to you, Marsha! I knew the year mark was coming up here, and you have often been in my prayers over the past year. I found out about Christian through the Dixons' blogs last year and have kept you in my heart ever since.

We lost our first son at birth 19 years ago, and although a bit different, I do understand the ache, the loss, the hope, that it isn't "good-bye" as you said. I understand the "how do we fit it all on a marker". I really do.

Loved the frog and picture! How beautiful and sweet!

HUGS HUGS HUGS to you, dear sister! We shall see them again someday! I'm convinced they will be there with Jesus to welcome us Home!

In Him Who Is Our All~

Trisch
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/neveradullmoment

Tasha said...

I came upon your blog by means of homeschooling, but something very different has happened here. I have realized that your Christian and my oldest child, Isaiah, were born on the exact same day. That has kind of come as a kick in the stomach. I've been browsing through some of your previous posts, and have found myself weeping. It has been a cleansing experience, and a reflective one. None of my children have passed away, but two and a half years ago I had a miscarriage, which I thought I was over; my dad passed away two months ago. I realize that losing that baby is fresh in my heart. I know that that terrible experience turned out to be an incredible blessing in my life and for my family, but since my dad passed, I have realized/remembered how truly afraid I am of God's will and the lack of control I have. The very close relationship I have shared with my Lord, I realize now is being held at arm's distance. I don't know why I feel the need to share this with you, but I do. Anyway, I thank you for your honesty, and your ability to share your life so candidly. I don't know what happened to your little boy, and I am truly sorry for your loss. I am in awe of your strength and faith, and sharing with you today has buoyed mine!

Ms. Anita said...

Wow! What a powerful comment left by Tasha!

Marsha, you're such a blessing to so many! May God continue to be glorified through your life.