"Be Still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10a

Its been a few busy days.  4 people in my/our flock have died and gone home to God in heaven since I last blog.  I love my work as an associate pastor of congregational care because it is about people and their families and their life and their life after this life or life triumphant.  In this work God calls me to do- I get to see people:
in their best,
at their worse,
in their weakest,
in their joy and in their sorrow
in their fear and in their pride
in their grateful-to-God moments and in their arrogance
on their way to God
just after they they leave their earthly tent they no longer need and
I get to be with their families and loved ones.

There are two things that come to my mind this morning, I am honored beyond words that God gives me privilege to be with those who are dying.  I get to say the prayers with them, I get to say to each of them, "All will be well here. You are well loved.  I love you because God loves you. Your loved ones will be fine.  If you hear God's calling your name go to Him."  I am honored beyond words that God should call me to this ministry.

Second, I am blessed by the words and messages left by those who have gone before us.  Today I woke up singing, "Be Still My Soul" one of the hymns Darlene, my last parishioner who went on to live with God, had chosen for her service.  It is a message, a comfort and a hymn to live by.  Here are the words:

Be Still, My Soul

1. 
   
2. 
   
3. 462 »

Verse 1

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Verse 2

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Verse 3

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.