When all the tears have dried
and left a salty stain upon my cheek
I sit and feel the void,
the sadness I now feel
when life has had it’s way.
An epoch come an gone
an age of old and new–
sweet time that once stood still
now leaves me at a loss.
To get the news – a dagger plunged so deep
that all else is forgotten
the day’s lost at the word
that all time has run out.
I know of only one hope
that does not disappoint,
one promise that still holds true–
one thing we can depend on.
The one who holds us gently in His hands
is holding me right now,
he gives and takes away
yet draws near when we cry out.
Yes, this one that I rely on
just in times like these–
my Savior, sweet breath of life
come close and put your hand in mine.
Take me away to be with you
not someday but now–
for my time, my service here
is now complete, I can release.
You want me for your own–
you’ve set your angels singing
they rejoice at my departure
and bid me welcome home.
I wrote this poem on the morning I found out that our beloved pastor, David George, was battling pancreatic cancer that would claim his life the very next day. One can hardly imagine receiving terminal cancer news from your doctor, then being taken so quickly. We are forced to praise God for His timing, His promises, and His eternal promise that when we are absent from the body, we will be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8).
[Tweet “We are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.” 2 Cor. 5:8″]
I have many journals with many notes from sermons Pastor David preached to us over the last 14 years. Here are a few quotes:
“We simply can’t do it without God–we partner with him and he uses us. We are co-laborers together.”
“We need to view life not as a consumer, but as a contributor. What can I give?”
“Sometimes, right in the midst of our call, it’s filled with challenge and pain. But God is there with us in the midst.”
[These quotes were in my notes from David’s sermon called, “Fabric of Faithfulness,” September 21, 2008]
How can you and I have a kingdom-minded vision as we pursue this life, this journey we’re on together? Each of us has a specific vision, or call, that God has placed on our lives.
Let’s support and love each other well . . . until God calls us home.
