Be Still My Soul

    Well, they say that blessings are given to the families of those serving missionaries. I can currently account for one. To say I went to my knees after the kids left is no exaggeration -- I prayed hard for their safety and comfort. Mostly, I thought about how our Heavenly Father sacrificed His only Son.

    I recognize some of what He went through, but I also know it had to have been so much deeper, because He knew His Son would experience unimaginable pain. Jesus underwent pain in the Garden of Gethsemane that is incomprehensible to us. Then He was subject to mock and scorn, and finally the physical pain of crucifixion and spiritual loneliness during the time His Father withdrew. As a parent I would want to come down and tear some Roman and Jewish butt up, but God knew the plan and the strength of His Son to accomplish it.

    This sacrifice was to pay for our sins, our physical pains and ailments, and the pain that others experience when our sins reach further than our own hearts and minds. The blessing I received was a peace and assurance that I am following Heavenly Father's plan, that my son and daughter know the plan, and that they are also strong enough to accomplish their parts. My favorite Hymn.

Be Still my Soul by Catharina von Schlegel

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.

Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.