The Psalmist says, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” – Psalm 73:26

The Meaning of Life:

Today I want to write about the intimacy of a graveside service, but without intruding on the privacy of the family involved. It was a funeral for a child – always the most heart-wrenching, and I was asked to share some music before Rebekah spoke.

So I’m going to post a few reflections, because I think there was some deep truth shared this morning, along with the grief; and there was peace, hope, and promise alongside the pain. Occasions such as this serve as important commentary on the meaning of life for all of us.

The child was a twin, and her dad (who spoke beautifully) said he believes it was her job to guide her sister into this world; at which point – mission accomplished – she went home. When he said that I felt a lump come up in my throat, and I had to swallow back tears, because I couldn’t help but think about this journey we’re all taking, and how much support, and guidance, and encouragement we all need along the way.

Support, guidance, and encouragement not just into this world, but into eternity…

I thought about the gift of brothers and sisters – not just the biological variety but the spiritual kind too, and I sat there in that sad but hopeful place, my heart racing with gratitude for the people – the community of believers – who continue to hold my hand, and share strength and encouragement along the way.

ETERNITY: Rebekah shared a lot that was powerful, but one particular thought stuck in my heart and mind, and I want to share it with you all. She referenced the idea – from Ecclesiastes – that “God has set eternity in the human heart…”

Rebekah pointed out that eternity is something the baby is already experiencing, and “we’re just in the position of having to catch up with [this child]… and those who have gone before…” And it is in this context – eternity – that we make choices regarding how we live where we are today.

We have the church; our brothers and sisters; the communion of saints; the great cloud of witnesses; the gift of community.

Peace and Promise – DEREK

In my song, I rearranged the old children’s chorus “Jesus Loves Me…” I slowed it down, I used James Tayloresque chords, and I replaced the traditional verses with a series of phrases from some of our best-loved hymns. Here it is:

1. Jesus loves me this I know – for the Bible tells me so

Little ones to him belong – we’re all weak but he is strong

Yes, Jesus loves me, yes Jesus loves me

Yes, Jesus loves me – the Bible tells me so

      2. Rock of ages cleft for me – Let me hide myself in thee

Amazing Grace how sweet the sound – I once was lost but now am found

Yes, Jesus loves me, yes Jesus loves me

Yes, Jesus loves me – the Bible tells me so

3. Hark the herald angels sing – All creatures of our God and King

Be thou my vision, Precious Lord – A mighty fortress is our God

Yes, Jesus loves me, yes Jesus loves me

Yes, Jesus loves me – the Bible tells me so