Missing Those Who've Gone Home!

At the onset of this another Thanksgiving Holiday, I am reminded that for many of us, this will be our first Thanksgiving when we sit down to enjoy that wonderful meal and as our eyes gaze around the table, we will see that empty chair where Daddy or Mommy was sitting just last year...or perhaps it is a wife or husband no longer in their place....a grandmother or grandfather that helped us hold onto our childhood and shared so many memories no longer sitting next to us....or some other special person that has gone home to be with their Heavenly Father.

Our eyes will well up with tears as we pass the mashed potatoes and we will fight back the urge to cry uncontrollably as we give thanks before partaking of our Thanksgiving meal; but that is to be expected since the hurt and the longing for the one we love is still so very real....and your Heavenly Father knows your sorrow and He wants you to know and understand the words that follow in this poem. My father-in-law went home to Heaven this past January and this season of holidays will be our first without Jeter Lee, a wonderful man that loved everyone he ever meet...it was just his nature to do so.  So if you too are missing someone that held a prominent, loving place in your life, I know you are facing one of the hardest things you will ever do...TO BE THANKFUL IN THIS SEASON OF THANKSGIVING...but lean into these words and find comfort that God only takes the VERY best!

GOD  ONLY  TAKES  THE  VERY  BEST

God only takes the very best

Whose labors are now done;

And brings them home to quiet rest

At the setting of life’s sun.

He saw your loved one was growing tired

Each step, how it took its toll;

So He brought them to His heavenly place

To make them well again and whole.

A golden heart no longer beating….

Tireless hands have now found rest

And in this, we find our comfort….

GOD ONLY TAKES THE VERY BEST!

He only takes the ones He loves

And though they had to part;

We know that they have left behind

Special memories in your heart.

For your loved one is not truly gone,

They  have only slipped away;

On a far and different journey….

Alas, you’ll meet again someday.

And on that wondrous, glorious morn

Oh, how you will be blest….

Home at last in your Father’s arms …

God only takes the VERY BEST!

W. Patrick Queen

August 2007

May your heart be blessed and filled with thanksgiving and praise for the life well-lived and the love bestowed by the one that will be forever missed. Until that time of joyous reunion in the place that is waiting for those who love and trust in the Lord, may His love enfold you and His grace uphold you as you long for your day to be called ...HOME....and the sweet reunion just waiting on that other shore.


BLESSED (AND THANKFUL) BEYOND MEASURE,

WPQ