Gathered Home With a Song

So anyone out there who knows me and who might read this knows that my best friend has been battling breast cancer for a very long time.  Yesterday she finally won that battle and has been gathered home to eternity.

So much of the emotional trauma of this journey has been eased for me by music.  There are so very many songs that have had such meaning for me and ministered to my heart through out this long battle.  Undone, I Can Only Imagine, Homesick by Mercy Me.  Praise You in the Storm, Love Them Like Jesus by Casting Crowns.  Amazing Grace my Chains are Gone by Chris Tomlin.  Where Joy and Sorrow Meet by Avalon.  Held by Natalie Grant.  And the one that spoke to me today by Cademon's Call- The Gathering.  Words as follows:

Sisters, brothers
We've got to learn to love each other
Our Father in Heaven has called us to be
Instruments of peace
Children of His mercy, the time has come
To face the sun and hold up high
The banner of love of the Lord

All God's children of love and light
Every heart will be unified
Singing praise to the Lord our King
On the day of the gathering
On the day of the gathering

We are the body of Christ
The kingdom come
The hands and feet of His will be done
A torch in the dark of a dying place
The living light of His saving grace
The living light of Amazing grace

Love and light, love and light
Children of love and light

Sisters, brothers
We've got to learn to love each other
Our Father in Heaven has called us to be
Instruments of peace
Jesus is the Prince of Peace.....

So many thoughts passed thru me as I heard this song ring out from my iPod today.  I know it so well, and sing it often, but it felt like I heard it anew today.  I know this is the Spirit in me opening the eyes of my heart.  The idea of The Gathering reminds each of us that we will all be gathered home one day.  In the mean time, we have got to learn to love each other.  We are called to be instruments of peace, His hands and feet on earth, until one day when all hearts are unified in Him.  We are His children - children of love and light. We shine a light in this dying place.  This is what we are called to be, to do, before He gathers us home.

Wendy was a child of love and light.  She shone as brightly as the sun.  That light is no more on this earth except that which we carry of her in our hearts.  Her light now shines in His Kingdom.  It gives me great comfort to know that one day I will be gathered home too.  And I know that when I cross the river, among those gathered to welcome me will be my oldest friend.  Looking like she does in my fondest memories, not racked with cancer.  I will run to her, attracted by the radiance of her smile.  We'll have a lot to catch up on......Shalom!