Funerals bring families together. Here in California, we are all hundreds of miles from home. But we are here for a kind purpose--to lay down the body of Patricia Conrad until she can take it up again in the morning of the first Resurrection. She has four children, three of whom have large families. All four children with spouses, her two living sisters (plus their children, spouses, and grandchildren), most of her 19 grandchildren, and even a couple the greats are gathered in the same hotel. Today we'll descend on Forest Lawn lay her with her mother and husband.
To honor her, we will pray, sing, reminisce, recite, relate the basics of the gospel, laugh, and contemplate. During the day, there will likely be some tears. Nevertheless, the greater display of emotions will be those of joy and celebration of a life well lived.
One of my daughters will sing Lead Kindly Light. Although I have loved the tune of this song and sung it many times, I never read the words as poetry. But yesterday, I had to obtain the sheet music emergency style, since my girl left hers at home. So I actually read the lyrics. What a beautiful message!
Jesus will lead us if we let Him. Through the good and bad, He is there to direct our paths in the best direction. If we are willing to put aside pride and have faith, He can make our lives glorious. But we have to be willing to move forward without false notions of knowing the future. Certainly, we must have goals but also must be willing to change direction if inspired to do so. He will not let us fail if we place our trust in Him.
Lead, kindly light, amid the encircling gloom, lead thou me on;
the night is dark, and I am far from home; lead thou me on;
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
the distant scene: one step enough for me.
I was not ever thus, nor prayed that thou shouldst lead me on;
I loved to choose, and see my path; but now lead thou me on.
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
pride ruled my will: remember not past years.
So long thy power hath blest me, sure it still will lead me on,
o'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till the night is gone,
and with the morn those angel faces smile,
which I have loved long since, and lost a while.
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Reading the scriptures and keeping this journal are my delight. I do not keep an online journal to preach to anyone but myself. I like this format, because I can add pictures and correct my writing easier. If you enjoy reading it, I am happy. If you feel offended, please, realize it is not my intention to offend but to teach myself. No negative comments will not be published.