"Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep; I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake; I pray the Lord my soul to take!"
One of the first prayers I remember learning as a child! Since Claire's death I have thought about this prayer numerous times. As a child I remember trying to understand what that prayer really meant. I would get the "sleep-keep" and "wake-take" confused and would talk myself through the correction. At some point, I got it!! If I died before I awoke in the morning I wanted God to take my soul to heaven!
Exactly one year ago today, Jeff and I laid our precious Claire to rest forever!
We had a beautiful graveside service and then we left her lying in a small white casket. Saying goodbye to her earthly body for the very last time.
Claire's body was lowered into the ground.
We will never again touch her precious hands or play with her sparkling hair. We will never again hold her close as she sleeps or wonder which direction she ran off in. We will never again wash the dirt from her feet or paint her fingernails. We will never again hear that infectious giggle or watch her flip effortlessly across the yard.
I think I can say that as of today, we have officially made it through the first year without Claire in our presence. But now we must begin the forevers without Claire in our presence. Forever, there will be an empty chair at our table. Forever, there will one less bookbag to fill. Forever, there will one empty Christmas stocking. Forever, there will be one less Easter dress to make or buy. Forever, there will be one less Birthday party to plan. Forever, there will be one of our daughters continually in the presence of Jesus! Forever, there will be the promise of an eternal life beyond what our earthly minds can comprehend! Forever, there will be meaning for our family to continue to Praise God in the storms of life.
Children hold a special place of honor in heaven. "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." Matthew 18:10
"Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep; I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake; I pray the Lord my soul to take!"
12 years ago
2 comments:
Angela,
Thank you for being by my side through all of the first without our precious Claire. I so need you as we walk this long difficult journey of the forever (on earth) without Claire looking forward to that wonderful day that we will be reunited with our Claire-bear.
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1-2
I love you so much and I'm so amazed at the way that God is using you!
Jeffery
Sweet friend, you and Jeff are walking this tough road with such grace and love for each other and for God. I pray that every time you miss Claire, God will give you a glimpse of what you (& all of us as believers) have to look forward to one day...forever in His presence! Praying for you today and every day. Love and miss you!
Kim
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