And then He was gone...

A wonderful and supportive nursing staff and physician made it possible for a family to gather around the newest son and a new brother. The technology and machines were pulled away so that this hospital room could be a family room. Each held this child so very small and fragile. Each had a moment to remember the miracle of life, though brief, and to mirror to this child the love we have from God... the love that binds us as one, even while wounded and hurting. Scripture was said and prayers were prayed. And then he was gone...

Gone from the wounds that would not heal... gone from the life that was tethered to machine... gone from the tubes that fed and lines that monitored him... gone from the life that was all too briefly his... but not gone from the heart of the mother who gave him birth or the father who held him in his arms... not gone from the brother and sister who will remember him and the sister who whose memory will be strengthened by the repetition of this birth, this child, and this fleeting moment...

Not gone from the God who knew him by name... Paul Edward... who marked him with the cross of Christ as a child of the heavenly Father... who washed him clean in the waters of baptism... who clothed him with the perfect, white robes of Christ's righteousness... who wrote his name in the ink of Christ's blood in the Lamb's book of life... No, not gone from the God who sent His angels to carry home to eternity a lamb of His own flock. Not gone from the God whose resurrection gave to him the life that his mortal flesh could impart... a perfect life of blessedness, wholeness, fullness, and peace.

If we live, we belong to the Lord. If we die, we belong to the Lord. So that whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. We want it all but when we cannot get all we want, God gives us exactly what we need. Jesus promises that we will be where He is... and a few hours ago last night we saw heaven open, angels descend, and the Father, true to His promise... and the Son true to His grace... and the Holy Spirit true to His work... extended through time and eternity the bridge in the shape of a cross so that this little might pass with Christ to His own joyful resurrection...

May God grant healing to mom and dad, brother and sisters, extended family and friends... that in the days to come they may be consoled by His love, sustained by His grace, and united in His hope, until sorrow of this little baby's leaving becomes the joy of where he has gone.... Amen