Almost two weeks ago, we helped friends celebrate the life of their precious little girl on the first anniversary of her going to heaven. Lilly was just two years old.
Just about six months before Lilly passed on, other friends of ours lost their son Brock. Though still relatively fresh in their own grief, Drew & Nita dove right into ministering to and loving on Lilly's parents. We may empathize and grieve with them, but only a parent who has been through such a thing can truly understand. Even in Brock's death, Drew & Nita have glorified and clung to Christ; their obedience and love humble and amaze me.
Lilly's parents have done the same: glorified and clung to Jesus even through the most painful of times. Lilly's daddy was baptized about six months ago, and they felt strongly about sharing the message of Christ in a loving way at Lilly's memorial. All those people there, sitting on blankets under a huge oak tree, hearing the gospel of Jesus presented by their (and our) friend and pastor. Amazing.
After this, they had a time of singing songs like "How Great is Our God," "Amazing Grace," and "Jesus Loves Me." At the request of Lilly's parents, guests had brought stones to place around a tree planted in her honor. This is sweet little Lilly, her photo printed on a garden flag next to the tree; her parents are in the background, singing songs of praise to God.
Balloons were passed around so that we could release them in Lilly's honor. But before we released them, we walked down to the lake, then gathered around her mom and dad to pray for them.
We released the balloons, sending our prayers heavenward with them.
Thank you to Brock and Lilly's parents for setting such an example of faith as they live out the rest of their days here on earth, knowing that these two sweet children are with Jesus. Only the Lord knows how many days we have ordained on this earth. I pray that we will all remember to make the most of each and every moment, and that we will trust in the Lord, knowing that although we may not understand the whys, God's ways are higher than our ways. (Isaiah 55:9)
