Death.

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."  I Thessalonians 4:13-18

Today I sat in a church and looked at a small coffin that held the body of my niece.  This neice I've known for less than a year.  (You can read about that here.)  Her name was Maranda, she was 3 years old and had cerebral palsy. 

It doesn't seem right that any parent should have to bury their child.  Yet, because of the sin curse it happens.  I'm so thankful I serve a living God, and I know that Maranda is in a better place.  Here on earth she couldn't walk or talk, but now she's probably skipping and running down the streets of gold singing praises to her Saviour.

My brother, Craig, and his wife, Allison, were wonderful parents.  They never looked at Maranda as a burden.  They took her everywhere, church, grocery store, sports games, out to dinner, etc.  Maranda had a wonderful, loving, caring family.  I was so impressed when I first met them and saw the deep care and love they had towards Maranda.  They held her, kissed her, hugged her, talked with her, played with her.  I don't know of a child more loved.  I often left feeling guilty that I had two healthy children and questioned if people saw me with my kids would they know I love them.

Here is a poem that was read at her funeral.

A meeting was held quite far from earth,

"It's time again for another birth."

Said the Angels to the Lord above,

"This special child will need much love."

His progress may seem very slow,

Accomplishments he may not show;

And he'll require extra care

From the folks he meets down there.

He may not run or laugh or play.

His thoughts may seem quite far away.

In many ways he won't adapt,

And he'll be known as handicapped.

So let's be careful where he's sent;

We want his life to be content.

Please, Lord, find the Parents who

Will do a special job for You.

They will not realize it right away

The leading role they're asked to play.

But with this child sent from above

Comes stronger faith and richer love.

And soon they'll know the privilege given

In caring for this gift from heaven.

Their precious charge, so meek and mild

Is Heaven's Very Special Child.

by Edna Massimilla

Sitting there this morning looking at that tiny coffin I held my daughter a little closer and came home and snuggled with my son for quite some time.  I hope this will encourage you to do the same.