Safely Home

I missed the Day of Prayer service on Friday - I was at a funeral. We first met Ray and his wife Cathy in 1986. They had grown up at Weling Baptist Church where their parents were members - but had moved away a few years before Bob became the Minister. But they frequently returned to see family [their cousins also belonged to the church] or attend special events. But their son had settled in Norwich, and in retirement they. like us, had come to Norfolk. It was a joy to reconnect with them. Ray's death was quite sudden - he was taken ill, and within a few days he died. But in those last few days he was able to speak with family and assure them of his faith, he knew he would soon be in his eternal home, with his Saviour. 
Friday was a sad day, but also one of joy. The pain of parting, but also the celebration of a life lived lovingly and generously. Bob and I were able to meet up with many of his relations whom we hadn't seen for 30 years or so. I wore the ear-rings his niece had made for me when she was a young girl in Girls' Brigade [Cathy's sister and I worked together in the Welling Company for for 9 years] Heather was surprised and delighted I still had them and wear them often. 

At the service, his wife and three children, plus Paul, his minister, and Trevor, a very close friend, all paid moving tributes to him. A family man, a worker in the church, a former Boys' Brigade Captain, an architect by trade, and a gifted artist in his leisure time. The church was filled with Ray's wonderful artworks. We sang the Boys' Brigade hymn with great enthusiasm - Ray loved these words, and they summed up the strength of his faith,

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
when the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift and the cables strain,
will your anchor drift or firm remain? 

Will your anchor hold in the straits of fear,
when the breakers roar and the reef is near?
While the surges rave and the wild winds blow,
shall the angry waves then your bark o'er flow?

Will your eyes behold through the morning light
the city of gold and the harbour bright?
Will you anchor safe by the heavenly shore,
when life's storms are past forever more?

We have an anchor that keeps the soul
steadfast and sure while the billows roll,

fastened to the rock which cannot move,

grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love! 

For everyone in the church, there was a card depicting one of Ray's artworks. Depicting a figure climbing up the steps from the rocks and waves to the security of the lighthouse, it is entitled "Safely Home". And I believe Ray is home now...