January 15, 2014

Irreplaceable

Each of our children is irreplaceable.
In fact, every person the Lord has ever made is irreplaceable.
No one can take the place of another.  It's impossible.

This truth becomes powerfully evident when
a parent must bury a child.

We know it is true, even if all our children remain here with us.
However, it is painfully obvious when one is gone.
Just as any of our children would if they were missing.

It's a beautiful thing.  Really.  
After all, the diversity in God's creation is beautiful.
This is especially true when we are speaking of people.


~ Our Precious Four in 2006 ~


So, when well-meaning people tell us that

we ought to rejoice in the fact that we still have children remaining
here with us, we understand what they are trying to convey.
We understand they are seeking to comfort our grieving hearts.
We know they don't want to hurt us.  They don't mean to.

However, our Austin is irreplaceable.

Calvin, Fraser, and Emma are irreplaceable as well.
Each fills a special place.  Each brings a special dynamic to our family.
One cannot replace the other.  It's a painful reality.  It's a beautiful reality.



~ Austin in 2006 ~


We miss our Austin so very much.

Just as we would miss any of the other three.

It won't always be like this.

One day, the Lord will call us all Home to Himself.
One day, we will be reunited with our loved ones in Heaven.
There will be no more sorrow or death, suffering or tears.
No more sin.  No more separation.  No more sadness.

We will have all eternity to worship our Wonderful Saviour.

Together.  Forever.  It's a precious thought.
It's what we cling to.  Tightly.
By His grace.  For His glory.  In His strength.

But, we must live here until He calls us there.

We must follow wherever He leads.
We must submit ourselves to His perfect plan.
We must keep our eyes fixed on our Saviour.

It truly is the only way forward.


Many Blessings,
Camille

15 comments:

Barbara said...

yes each one has a special spot in our heart, I sure wish all mine (5) were young and gathered around me again, I am way too far away from them now, one day though we will be together in heaven and we will rejoice.

Dianna said...

What a beautifully written post, Camille. So many times as I've been reading through "Morning and Evening" I have thought of you and how the Lord has made so many of the verses shared, and pleas to cling to Him and Him alone come alive to me as I've watched you apply them to your life with Austin's passing.

Hugs to you my sweet friend.

Patrinas Pencil said...

AGREED! Not one is replaceable!
The only way ...is forward...to together forever...with our loved ones...and our ONE and only God!

hugs, dear mama :)

Lisa said...

Camille, I love how you said, "Each of our children is irreplaceable. In fact, every person the Lord has ever made is irreplaceable. No one can take the place of another. It's impossible." Such beautiful words and so true. It's really so amazing when you think about it. The pictures of your little ones are so adorable! Seth has that same blue shirt Austin is wearing. I love that :) Missing you all so much! Please send our love to your sweet family.

Wanting What I Have said...

My precious friend...you exude grace. I admire and am thankful for your example. You're such a blessing. Much love to you and yours.

OurCrazyFarm said...

Knowing and feeling your pain, Camille, and praying for you often. This is a long, hard journey, but we know Who leads us on it every step of the way. Continue to hold on to God's promises. Oh, how glorious that Day will be!

Patty said...

So many memories in those pictures for your heart to hold onto! Mixed emotions I know but how truly wonderful to have them. How irreplaceable indeed as each one fills his place uniquely! The true treasures that fill our lives and homes. Grace and blessing for this journey I pray until that day when you all reach home.

Sarah said...

I am amazed at your grace that you extend others who mean well, but do not understand. You are so right that no child is replaceable.
With many things in life, I find I have to just look at someone's heart and realize their words don't matter. We so desperately want to help with someones pain that we often resolve to speaking words that are not encouraging...where a simple listening ear is really all that is needed.
My specific prayer for you, right now, is that God is giving you rest. And what I mean is literal sleep at night. I have never experienced the grief you are living with, but I know that in some very difficult times of my own, my prayer was often "Lord, just help me get a good night's sleep." It doesn't change your pain, but it is amazing how getting physical rest can help our minds feel that peace only the Lord can provide.
Praying...always!!

Heather said...

No one can fully understand the void, dear friend. I love how you've explained it here so we know the feeling behind the smile and nod. You are precious and I'm praying for a God-hug right now.
xo

Donna said...

Wonderful post! No child could ever be replaced even if I had a dozen more. They are all one of a kind like God intended.
Oh what a day it will be when we are in Heaven together again. Until then our Faith will get us through.
Hugs,
Donna

Farming On Faith said...

Hello Camille~

Just want you to know I am praying for you this morning.

Hugs ~

Stacie, A Firefighter's Wife said...

Thank you for teaching us to know what NOT to say. I am sure I have hurt people with stupid sayings that were meant to comfort but might have ripped the wound open a little bit more. I remember going through that when I had my miscarriage. As I was laying there on the operating table crying before they did a DNC on me, the doctor gave me a confused look and said, "You are young, you already have a child and you can have more babies.". It made me want to scream, "but I won't have this one. The baby I have already bonded with and prayed over." Yes, Irreplaceable...

Maryann said...

Keep looking forward to that day Camille, the day when we will all be reunited in his presence, praying for you my friend

Camille said...

Dear Barbara ~ Yes, in Heaven we will rejoice for all eternity! What a thought. :)

Dear Dianna ~ Oh, how I love Spurgeon's devotional! I am thankful that you are gleaning from it as well...what a blessing! :)

Dear Patrina ~ Yes, with our Great and Wonderful God...for all eternity! :)

Dear Lisa ~ You make me smile. Hugs to you and yours my sweet friend. :)

Dear Jennifer ~ Oh, how much I need the Lord! Just one step at a time...how needful it is to walk this path with Him. Thank you for your sweet encouragement. :)

Dear Terri ~ Thank you for always encouraging my heart and pointing me to Truth, my friend. I appreciate you! :)

Dear Patty ~ Your words are encouraging and a blessing to my heart...thank you for your kind friendship. :)

Dear Sarah ~ You bless me! Thank you SO much for entering into this journey with me and for praying...how precious it is! May the Lord bless you and your sweet family always. He is Good. :)

Dear Heather ~ You are a sweet friend and I so appreciate your kind words of encouragement...always. Hugs to you! :)

Dear Donna ~ True words from one who understands...thank you. Yes, the Lord will carry us through. He is eternally Good! Hugs. :)

Dear Carrie ~ Thank you SO much my friend! Prayers prayed for us are so precious. :)

Dear Stacie ~ I am sure I have said the wrong thing so many, many times! How we need to be generous with each other. Thank you for your faithful friendship. Hugs to you! :)

With love,
Camille

Camille said...

Dear Maryann ~ Sorry I missed you in the comment above. Thank you for always being such a sweet and encouraging friend...I appreciate you! Thank you for praying. Hugs to you. :)

With Love,
Camille