When the phone rings in the very early hours of the morning while sleep still holds us firmly in its grip, there is a thrill of fear that runs through every parent’s heart. Is this THE Call? Our hands tremble as we reach for the phone. Please, God, let it be a wrong number or some piece of good news that could not wait for a decent hour. Let it be anything but THE Call.
But for someone it is that particular call that every parent dreads most. A son or a daughter is lost. Death has taken them, and there is nothing left to do but grieve and go through the motions of a celebration of life. The world has gone surreal. THE Call changes everything.
This morning my heart goes out to the parents who have answered THE Call. May God give them a special grace. In that moment as in no other, we touch the border of godly love – and feel the near edge of the depths of God’s sacrifice for our sakes.
When THE Call comes, there are no words that have the power to comfort. There is, however, the grace of God – and there is peace. Where faith rises to meet our mortal weakness with eternal strength, the peace of God lifts us out of despair and into the realm of hope.
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 (New Living Translation)
Walking Beside the Boat by R.G.Henley 