Grace and Love: Those Last Hours

In the last three weeks, my Granddad and uncle both passed away.  I could never have guessed beforehand the amazing things God would show us in those last days.  

My Granddad's life had been rough, without the light of Christ, but in his last couple days he began to open his heart.  Hours before he passed away, he accepted Christ.  Surely, those last few hours were the clearest and most important of his whole life.  That night, I wrote this poem for him.

The End of the Rough Road Unknown 

 By Caroline Meek

It was a rough and rocky road unknown, cut out for you to live.

A life of twists and hardships at each turn, confusion and chaos ever-present.

There is a beginning and an end, but life sometimes has

a funny way of getting you through, its own idea and plan.

From place to place, moving, and not finding what you sought,

life fought with you, and you fought back, not giving in.

God watched you choose your path, blindly groping for that joy.

You may not have felt it then, but He guided your every step.

He wanted you to reach the end, no matter how you turned away,

with the knowledge that He was LORD, your perfect peace for every day.  

After many years a new trial came, six months of failing health and weakness

and little gain - we fought for your recovery and you held on.  

When life began to close its door on you, you finally started to understand.

Life had brought you this far, and God still had control of His plan.

It came down to the end, when you let Jesus hold the door for you,

and finally found that life of joy - surrendered and found eternal peace.

God led you through your life, a road of rocks and hills unknown.

He had planned your every second, and carried you to the end.

It was as if life had waited patiently, for you to see the truth.

Despite moments of defeat, despair, God’s plan had never failed.

When you said at last, “I believe, I’m ready to meet my LORD,”

Life’s road no longer mattered, and God, right then, took you home.

 .........

 At the end of those days and years, God gave us the most beautiful ending with him, one we never imagined possible.  Through all this, I see the most strong evidence of his grace: He accepts those who come to Him, every one of them.  No matter what previous actions or sins; when he believed, his past was forgiven.  

A couple nights ago, my uncle, who had severe mental handicaps, passed away after a couple days of fighting pneumonia and a lung infection.  Minutes before, a song came on over the radio that was playing in his room.  

"I Can Only Imagine", by MercyMe.

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side 

What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me
I can only imagine
[Chorus:]
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still?
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine 

(.......)

Thinking of these lyrics, I can just picture Uncle David, who could not walk, hearing these lyrics as he took his last breaths.   What will it be like when he walks by the side of Jesus, can dance and sing?  I can only imagine.  God loves his little children; He told them to come to Him.  Now he is rejoicing, in a place where there is no more sickness to hinder him.  I wrote this poem for him.

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Stars 

by Caroline Meek

How will it be when a new body is born into Heaven?

When every sickness is gone, and no more are the insurmountable obstacles,

Every mind will be sharp and alert with joy,

Comprehending every mystery. 

How will it be when we are made new?

When the lame walk, and the dead see, they will get up and dance.

I can only imagine – what overwhelming joy,

Our heavenly bodies will light up the sky with song.

  ........................
 

God has given us a lot to overcome right now, but He's used these last few hours and days to show us His grace and love, nothing short of miracles. 


Thanks to everyone for all their prayers and thoughts,
~Caroline M.