On the Loss of a Friend
Back to Intimate Letters on Personal Problems
Dear friend,
Your sorrow is very tender, and yet it has about it a sweet sacredness which robs it of bitterness. The fact that your friend was so noble, so true, so beautiful in character, and so like his Master — makes your grief a memory of "whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely." If he had not been a godly man and a Christian — your sorrow would be very bitter.
It is never best to try to explain sorrows. There is precious comfort, forever, for you, in the assurance that God has a plan for each life, and that his plan is not marred or broken when a life fails to fulfill our plan for it. Your plan for his life, was not realized. You had a beautiful vision of many years, years of noble development of character and of great usefulness. In that vision your own life blended, with its hopes and joys. That was your plan. But now the roses lie faded at your feet.
But God had a plan for his life — and for yours. "Every man is immortal until his work is done." God's plan was not shattered, when death touched the life that was so dear to you. Nor was God's plan for your life spoiled, when this lovely vision faded. What remains is not what you hoped for. You loved him; he loved you; your lives became mutual blessings. He left touches and impressions upon you, which you will carry forever. You will be a different woman always for having loved, and been loved.
Now he is in Heaven — but not with a broken life. He is living there the life begun here. Earthly life is but preparatory — a school, to fit us for the real life of eternity. You stay here, lonely now and desolate — but neither is your life a broken one in God's sight. First, you were blessed with love, and your heart was warmed and thrilled. Then sorrow came, andsorrow is God's messenger, one of God's teachers sent to you. Love and sorrow are fitting you for service in this world. God has some work for you to do, and he is preparing you for it.
Look at it in this way, will you not? Rise above the incidents of life, and let your faith in God enable you to see all that I have been trying to picture to you. Take your life now as one doubly anointed by God for service. Do not let your loss overpower you or crush you. Lay the burden on him, who is training you and leading you. Do not be afraid. Trust him and go sweetly on with your work.
Some people drop their tasks when sorrow comes. That is the saddest possible outcome of grief. Sorrow really is a new divine anointing and consecration to service. Seek now to know and strive to do all God's will for your life. Go out to be a comforter to others in their sorrow, since God has taught you the lesson in your experience. God is ready now to use you, if you will but put yourself utterly into his hands.
Back to Intimate Letters on Personal Problems