Today is the 8th anniversary of Gary’s home-going to heaven. I spent it in Ventura because it’s a place we enjoyed together over the years. I chose this verse to reflect on while there.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones” from Psalm 116.
So many times, we had walked around the harbor, and out to the point together. It’s different to go alone, but thoughts of the past went with me today. Those thoughts of all kinds are precious, even the not so pleasant ones. I value those years with Gary. I value the love he gave me. I miss how he “buffered” my ups and downs and made things not seem so important. I treasure his leadership in our family. My memories include walking through some harder times too. They are special to me as well for they were a useful tool of the Lord to grow us both closer to Him. Thoughts of Gary are precious to me.
BUT my recollections, though so very special to me, don’t compare to the Lord’s precious thoughts of love toward His beloved children.
“We love because He first loved us.”
1 John 4:19
“They shall not die prematurely; they shall be immortal till their work is done; and when their time shall come to die, then their deaths shall be precious. The Lord watches over their dying beds, smooths their pillows, sustains their hearts, and receives their souls. Those who are redeemed with precious blood are so dear to God that even their deaths are precious to Him.” C.H.Spurgeon, Treasury of David
