Peace Like a River

Earlier this weekend, as Carter was performing a mini-concert in our living room, I was struck by his words. At times it seems trite when I hear people say how much they learn from their children, but it is absolutely true. He was singing, his own version of course, "Peace Like a River". And as my future southern gospel singing son was on his fourth refrain, I felt that his words were a great summary of our past month.

On the night of August 1st, our family lost a hero, Grandaddy Harding. More of a father to Natalie and just as much of a grandfather to me, Grandaddy went to be with the Lord after cutting his grass and sitting outside his garage. He enjoyed an amazing outlook on life, and even death. He said he didn't fear death because in his words, "I've got friends over here, and I've got friends over there."

It still doesn't seem real that he is gone from us, and in our quiet moments, the pain swells. He loved everybody, but he especially loved his great-grandchildren, and I feel truly blessed that they got to spend so much time with him, and I look forward to telling them stories about him foverer. About Carter, he would say, "I believe he's above average!" And then for sweet Anna Brooks, for whom he really grew a special affection, he would say "She just gets prettier and prettier."

What a joy it is though, in the midst of sorrow, to be loved by a faithful God who redeems even in the midst of sorrow. Grandaddy, we long to see you again and we act in the confidence that we will be rejoined with you in glory. Thank you for the gift of your love, and we love you.

Peace is a little more elusive when we learn of our dear friends losing their 4 year old little boy to cancer. Please visit www.prayforjoseph.blogspot.com and pray for the Peabody family. We were able to see them at the visitation on Sunday afternoon, and we simply cannot fathom the depth of that pain. While crying like a baby in my car last Friday, I was comforted by Robert Robinson's original closing verse of "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing":

O that day when freed from sinning,
I shall see Thy lovely face;
Clothed then in blood washed linen
How I'll sing Thy sovereign grace;
Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,
Take my ransomed soul away;
Send thine angels now to carry
Me to realms of endless days.

Since Joseph was diagnosed last November, we have prayed with Carter for Joseph. We told him that he had a boo-boo in his head. Even today, when we ask Carter who he would like to pray for, he says "Joseph, because he has a boo boo right back here" and he taps the back of his head/neck with his right index finger. Every time.

Once again, I fear telling Carter the truth, another manifestation of our fallen world that is in desperate need of a Savior. But, like earlier this month with Grandaddy Harding, I suppose I will tell him the truth, point him to Jesus, and kneel to pray with him.

And then last night, as I was laying in bed with Carter, we rolled over to hug me, and in my ear, he whispered, "I just can't get enough of your loving, Daddy." At times like this, when we are unsure of just what to pray for and the confusion of this world sets in, I am reminded of my 3 year old son's words. We indeed need "Peace Like a River" and Jesus, we cannot get enough of your loving.

And our dear Anna Brooks is as precocious as ever. She's now on two wheels!