Monday, April 28, 2008

SADNESS AND REJOICING

We made a trip to California this weekend to try and be a comfort to some dear friends who lost a son and brother. He was hit head-on on his way home from work. It was so unexpected he left a wife and little daughter. His life was full of many things, however he hadn't been baptized or going to church. He figured he had plenty of time. Two brother's in our church preached at the funeral. It had to have been hard since they knew him real well. He was a good man and had many friends. Their was somewhere between 300 and 500 people present at his funeral. The saddest part to me was that he had done so much with his life, but neglected the most important part.
Sunday at church they preached on getting busy on doing the things you want to get done since you don't know how much time you have. Also on choosing what you want to accomplish in your life. Some of the family was there and there were some testimonies about the brethren being there for you during the hard times. The times when you just don't understand the why or reason for things. The man that died had so much time ahead, or so it would have seemed.
The rejoicing came some during the meeting but more so afterwards. A young lady gave her hand to the father of the man who had died. Their was a long moment of silence with Joy written on every ones faces. Tears of Joy were rolling down the faces of everyone. At the waters edge the brother who had lost his son said that this was the first step in helping him in the loss of his son. After the baptising, laying on of hands, and dismissal prayer another young lady gave her hand to the 1st young ladies dad.
We rejoiced so much!!! We went to be a comfort, just making a last minute decision to do so. And the treasures that we have stored up from the time spent with our brethren. Sharing in their sorrow and joy. I felt that we had made another payment or 2 on that home up in heaven. I also felt that we had built up, shored up the building blocks of our children's faith. It is so wonderful to hear the same things preached from assembly to assembly. The same things taught on the floor that we teach in our homes. It seems that lately the things that have been on our minds, that we've discussed with our children, have been brought forth in the meetings we have set in.

9 comments:

Shannon said...

I'm sad for the loss but glad to hear that there were souls saved. Your title really does sum it up.

Mrs. Mom said...

What a wonderful testimony. I'm happy you and your family were there to witness such blessings and rejoicing during such a sorrowful time.

Your grandma always taught me to travel amongst the brethren with our children when they were little, because they learn so much about the faith that way. It's so true.

I'm glad I read this tonight... thank you!

Sis. Lori P. said...

How sorrowful for these families! As my children have grown up my constant prayer has been that they will live the faith and serve God, otherwise I feel like I would just drop in a hole. Now I have the same prayer for my little grandchildren. May the Lord have mercy on us all and allow our children and our children's children to hear the faith and serve Him well.

meNmykids said...

What a bittersweet weekend. Glad that you could go and take part. Lots of brethren praying for the family.

Cherrie said...

Glad to see you back on here. Sorry to hear about a death but glad to hear about some baptizings.

Sis Stubby said...

We are all in a race in this life . The race is with death or Christ coming and life .I will surly pray for this family.
I am glad to here of good meetings.

Tiffany said...

This post really comforted me today. You kids are so sweet! I will surly pray that the lord continues to build faith in them <3

Jules said...

That is so sad. my heart goes out to his family. We definately need to be ready anytime.

Marisela said...

What a blessing to be able to go, and rejoyce even in a sorrowfull time.