November 30, 2015

Two and a Half

Tomorrow marks two and a half years since 
our Austin was called home to heaven.

It's an incredible thing to ponder.  An amazing thing to consider.
It cannot fully be comprehended this side of eternity.
I am not sure if it will ever be fully comprehended.
Heaven is too wonderful for words.

(Austin, Howie and Calvin ~ 2011)

There are, however, things we know for sure about where our Austin is.
What we do know has been revealed to us through God's Word, the Bible.
Only a few men were shown some of the wonders of heaven.
And, they were told what could and could not be written about what they saw.

Paul said it was not lawful to speak of the magnitude
and magnificence of it all.  John had similar sentiments.
   
The things we have been told are wonderful. 
Sin, sorrow, suffering, sickness, death, and every evil thing are all absent
Only goodness, peace, joy, love and every perfect thing are present.
The Lord is there.  What else could we want?

HE is Everything.

(Fraser, Howie, Austin and Calvin ~ 2008)

What is our boy experiencing?  All good things.
He is with the Lord.  He worships Him perfectly.
Along with all those who have gone on before.

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,
neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God 
hath prepared for them that love Him."  I Corinthians 2:9

But, we miss him.  Oh, how we miss him!
His laughter and music.  His quiet presence.  His voice and smile.
His chair sits empty at the table.  His room is now occupied by Calvin.
His things wait to be sorted.  His violin sits silent in its case.

We are taking everything step by step.  Some things just have to wait.
And, that is okay.  There is no time-table for this process.
We rest in the Lord's perfect timing in it all.
And, He continues to give grace and strength.

He continues to give joy in the midst of sorrow.
Smiles through the tears.

 (Calvin, Austin, Fraser, Camille and Emma ~ 2006)

One day, we will be called home to heaven, too.  One day.
Until then, may we be found following our Saviour.
Wherever He leads.  For however long He has us here.
We are in His loving hands.  There is no better place to be.

So thankful that our Austin is safely Home.
Eternally grateful for the peace and comfort that knowledge brings.
Resting in God's perfect time when He will take us Home as well.
Together with the Lord.  Forever.

With Love,
Camille

11 comments:

Down On The Farm said...

Oh my sweet sister in Christ. There are no words that I can add. As a mother of two children myself, my heart breaks for you. I cannot imagine the loss. I cannot imagine the heartache. But Jesus promised that when He went away the Comforter would come. The sweet Holy Spirit. There is nothing better than perfect peace that comes from God. Isaiah 26:3 promises this: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." I know that you trust in Him. And therefore I know you have peace. Peace does not mean the absence of sorrow or sadness. Peace means the sorrow and sadness do not overwhelm. You will see your precious son again. Of that I am confident. And while you and I may never meet this side of heaven, I know that we will meet in that place where there are no more tears, no more sorrow. Only joy in the presence of our Savior King. I long for that day. Until then, I am praying for you and your family. Keep your eyes on Him. Blessings my friend.

Angela said...

God bless you and comfort you during the holiday season. May the reality of Immanuel fill you and your family with peace.

Nikki said...

Dear Camille,
I often think of you. I think in part as I look at Joshua and know that at almost the same time I was being blessed with a new little son yours was rejoicing that he was in His eternal home where there would be no more sorrow. I can't even imagine the empty spot that now resides in your home. Praying for you!

Sandy said...

Dear Camille,
Yes, we rest in the truth knowing that Austin is in Heaven now. We also miss him whenever we are over at your place. Tears flow when I read "His violin sits silent in its case." We trust that Austin is worshiping God with music and song now, what a beautiful sight!
Much love to you and your family!
Sandy
xoxo

Laura said...

My Dear Camille,

Know that there isn't a day that goes by that we don't think of dear Austin; and wonder at God's goodness to you, in that you display His perfect peace through this trial that is your daily cup. We are continually blessed by your witness of strength and grace through such a painful journey. I do know your reason, and it is only through God's grace and mercy to you.
Thank you for the daily display of grace, and the encouragement you give to each of those who love you dearly. Especially me.
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.

Love and prayers,
Laura

Pam said...

Camille,
You are in my heart and prayers today. I can only imagine how difficult each mark of time and each reminder is. Every day, week, month and year is another step in your journey. May the Spirit of the Lord continue to fill you and bless you with His grace, joy and peace.
Hugs,
Pam

Camille said...

Down on the Farm ~ Your kind words blessed my heart. Thank you for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful comment. How precious it is to belong to the Family of our Great God. How wonderful He is! What hope we have because of Him! :)

Angela ~ Thank you so much my friend. May He be your everything as well. Hugs! :)

Nikki ~ What a precious thing it is to think of you thinking of me as you watch your beautiful little boy grow. How wonderful the Lord is! Thank you for praying....you bless my heart. :)

Sandy ~ We are so glad you knew our Austin here. One day, the Lord will call us all there...what a thought! Thank you for your kind words and love. Hugs to you all. :)

Laura ~ You say the sweetest things. You are precious to me, too. Thank your for remembering and for your love and support. Big hugs. :)

Pam ~ Truly, the Lord is so very good to us! We could not travel this road without Him. Thank you for praying....you are a sweet blessing. Hugs! :)

With Love,
Camille

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

Thank you for sharing your life journey without your dear Austin. Death is so final but because there is hope in the Lord, we can rejoice because there is heaven where there is no suffering, no tears....I know my mom and dad are there too. I was just listening tonight on the radio Chris Rice singing..."I will rise when He calls my name. No more sorrow, no more pain..I will rise. I will rise...and with the voice of angels sing,worthy is the Lamb..." It's been awhile since I could actually listen to that song again. Right after we got the call that my mom had died, July 2014..those words in that song played through my mind. I sat in my car singing and thankful to be able to listen to it again. I pray you go on with living daily and loving your sweet memories of Austin. It's hard to know what else to say but just keep on trusting and living the best you can. I can only imagine! Hugs and blessings and enjoyed seeing the photos! xx--xx

Camille said...

Becky ~ What a precious Hope we have in our Lord! Thank you so much for your kind words and for praying for us. May the Lord continue to give you much grace as you journey through your own grief with Him. How wonderful He is! Hugs! Camille

Cheesemakin' Mamma said...

I'm just blown away that it has already been two and half years. I realize times flies, but man it really just seems like yesterday. I know this season is so hard and will continue to be for a long time. I'm sending up a prayer right now for you and your family as you continue to honor his memory as you wait patiently to see him face to face again someday. Hugs!

Camille said...

Jackie ~ Thank you SO much for praying my friend....it is such a sweet encouragement to my heart. The Lord truly is so very good to us, isn't He? Much Love, Camille