This morning I found out that my cousin, Mandall Beattie, passed away. My heart is sad as I reflect the years I spent with him and my Uncle Morgan's family as we grew up. We ate a lot of cake and ice cream together each year as we celebrated birthdays and living well in Burton, Idaho. As he grew up, it seemed that he struggled through life trying to find his way and himself – don't we all? But I loved him like I love any of my cousins and could recognize his good heart. I think of his children, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends left behind to sort through pieces and try to understand. Hurt and grief is so painfully real and I can't even begin to imagine how badly it must feel – especially for his five children. Tender feelings of compassion and empathy for them are easy for me to find but difficult to express through my own words or actions. It is humbling and relieving to know that Heavenly Father is in charge and we can be instruments in his hands when our heart is in the right place and it's the right time. It's amazing to also know that because of the sacrifices made by our brother, Jesus Christ, our hearts can heal. Because of him we can find the peace we seek. It is miraculous.
I've been sitting at my piano. A place I find myself when my feelings get all mixed up and I feel helpless inside. I begin to work out my sadness through each note – it is very therapeutic. Eventually I ended with the song, "Someday He will Come." This song becomes the words to the testimony my heart wants to speak. I can't wait for the day when Jesus Christ will come again and there will be continual peace ….
"Someday He will come, sure as we live and breathe. One day every man and woman living on the earth will see His face. Someday. Someday He will come, sure as the seasons change. He will call the children to Him, He will bless the souls of every race. Someday. When He comes the world will melt away, earthly things will slip right through our hands. Leaving just our hearts to stand before Him – just our lives to speak for what we've done – what we've become. Someday He will come, sure as the end of day. When I humbly bow before Him will He find me worthy of His mercy and His grace? I will speak of Him with every breath. I will seek His sprit all my days. Everything I am I will surrender, just to know Him when this life is done – when He comes. Someday."
Comments:
Ri Ri said…
Joe, You have such an amazing testimony. I hope that oneday i can be as strong as you. I love the amazing example you set for eveyone around you! Keep it up!
Saturday, March 10, 2012 7:20:44 AM
Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…
Jodi, we share your feelings,but on a different level. Morgan is such a good man and each of the things he cares about or that anyone we love cares about cause us to feel deep feelings when difficult things happen.
We sure hope that he and his family, including nieces feel the power of the love the Savior helps us feel at these challenging times. What a blessing to have the testimonies we have at times like these. We sure love you and respect you great example.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012 1:26:40 PM