How Long?

February began in a hard way for our family.

All month so far the phone has been ringing and messages arriving. Messages of condolence and prayer and shared tears. Family and friends near and far are so caring!

But for the last week of January we actually dreaded answering the phone – wondering what the next update would be from the ICU where Mom’s brother was battling infections and fighting for his life.

Now though the pain of loss is great and we hurt even more for his wife, 4 children and 22 grandchildren, we are comforted with the knowledge that this special family-member is now with Jesus! No more pain or sickness for him!

The hymn that our family came to after supper a couple evenings ago was especially poignant at this time. Verse 4 of “It May be at Morn” says:

“O joy! O delight! Should we go without dying,
No sickness, no sadness, no dread and no crying,
Caught up through the clouds with our Lord into glory,
When Jesus receives His own.

“O Lord Jesus, how long, how long
Ere we shout the glad song,
Christ returneth! Hallelujah! hallelujah!
Amen, Hallelujah! Amen.”

• H.L. Turner, 1878