Peace

In high school English I learned several literary terms. One that I remember is pathetic fallacy. It's when the weather or some other inanimate object takes on human characteristics. This term came to my mind as we were driving to Josh's funeral on Saturday. We woke up to huge snowflakes falling. The snow kept coming and made for a pretty slow and dreary drive. It was as if the weather knew what was about to take place, and that it too was somehow weeping over the loss of this sweet little boy.

The funeral service was truly beautiful. We all savored reliving the details of Josh's life and remembering his energetic spirit. Of course it was very difficult to think about not having him with us here on earth, but we were comforted in knowing we would see him again; And that he would be strong and healthy and full of life when we did. I was deeply touched by the things that were said there and the feeling of peace that came over me as I savored all that I heard.

I felt peace in knowing that Josh received a joyful and loving welcome home from family and friends on the other side of the veil, just as he was received lovingly and joyfully into this life at his birth.

I felt peace as Mindy and Steve both spoke of knowing that Josh's time on this earth was indeed finished. And Josh knew too. Steve recounted that Josh had said several times in the past months that he wanted to go home. They now know what he meant. They knew for a fact that Josh's mission here on earth was complete, but that he had much work to do on the other side. Their conviction in this fact made it easier for me to accept that his time on earth was predetermined and that he is in a better place now.

I felt peace as Mindy confirmed that Josh is not in mourning where he is now. Those left on earth now are the ones mourning, but that he is healthy and happy. Although it is still hard to deal with the pain and the loss we feel, this thought brings a great deal of comfort.

I felt a sense of urgency when I realized that Josh has earned celestial glory. Doctrine and Covenants 137:10 tells us "And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven." Since he has been saved in the celestial kingdom, I feel a deeper sense of urgency to do those things on earth now so that I can be worthy to live with him and the rest of my family eternally.

I felt a great sense of gratitude as I saw all the acts of kindness and thoughtfulness that were performed. Many people came to express their love and support. Ward members provided a wonderful lunch as well as a nursery throughout all of the services. There were dozens and dozens of beautiful flower arrangements and other expressions of love that could be seen everywhere. There were so many good people who loved and cared and that was clearly manifested in the things they did. It reaffirmed my faith that there are many, many wonderful people on the earth who are here to act as the Lord's agents in lifting up the hands that hang down, in strengthening the feeble knees, and in comforting those that stand in need of comfort. What a blessing these good people are.

And as we followed the funeral procession to and from the cemetery where Josh's body was laid to rest, the snow had subsided for the most part. The ground was blanketed with white, making everything look clean and pure and peaceful. It was as if the heavens could now rest because our sweet Josh was now at rest and at peace.

Although the event that brought us together this weekend was not ideal, feeling the love of family and friends made everything seem more bearable. The peace that the gospel and the plan of salvation bring in times like these transformed what could have been a dark and dreary event into one that was beautiful, peaceful, and miraculous...much like Josh's life was. Wonderful, beautiful, miraculous, and now, peaceful.