The words to this poem came to me, as I sat beside a friend in intensive care, on his last night on this planet. May they bring some comfort to all those who mourn.
Pilgrim lay your burden down
Cast off your heavy cloak
And shed those worn out shoes
Leave your map and compass here
The path ahead is straight and sure
Your journeys end in sight.
The weight of daily life is done
The clock has stopped ...time is spent
As life’s light fades
A new dawn breaks for you.
Pilgrim leave your burdens here
Then raise your eyes and see
A view to captivate your heart
Hear song that sets you free.
At last your Fathers voice so clear
All yearnings cease an end to fear
No backward glance, no cause for doubt
Your welcome home assured
The great pursuit is over now
Complete and whole you rest .
But we remain, we mourn
We grieve at your unending absence from our lives
And for now, death has a sting
But we embrace our God
And He embraces us
The gift of memories
A treasure as we sojourn here.
We celebrate life
We cry at our loss
Yet choose to trust in God
And His unfailing love.