Edna was my wife Cathryn’s aunt. Over many years I got to know Edna well, and we all dearly loved this most caring and gracious Christian lady. I remember the day she died, over 11 years ago, very clearly. A couple of hours before we got the call to tell us she had passed away I had another call; this one to inform me that I was being made redundant from my job, for the first time in 25 years. It was certainly a day of the most turbulent of emotions.
A short while later we gathered for Edna’s funeral. One of the hymns we sang was “In heavenly love abiding”; a beautiful hymn but one, I must confess, which had previously somewhat washed over me amongst the many thousands I must have sung over my life. On that day, however, the words hit me in a way they never had before. Perhaps it was my own personal circumstances, but the wonderful third verse in particular struck a chord.
Green pastures are before me,
which yet I have not seen;
bright skies will soon be o'er me,
where darkest clouds have been;
my hope I cannot measure,
my path to life is free;
my Saviour has my treasure,
and he will walk with me.
In the 11 years since, I can testify to the truth of these words. As doors have closed, others have opened and I have had wonderful opportunities, experiences and blessings that I could never have foreseen at the time.
But this reflection isn’t about me; it’s about all of us.
This Sunday is Pentecost, where we remember and celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit. There are many Pentecost hymns I could have chosen, and this may initially seem one of the more unlikely. Unlikely, but far, I believe, from inappropriate. Pentecost marked the start of the church’s mission to the world. It is a mission which calls us all to leave behind previous certainties and step out in faith. In doing so we don’t know where God will lead us, and life will take many twists and turns. Sometimes dark clouds will be over us; sometimes the storms will roar; sometimes we may feel we just don’t have what it takes. But the hymn brings words of comfort, wisdom and truth.
... the storm may roar without me,
my heart may low be laid;
but God is round about me,
and can I be dismayed?
Wherever he may guide me,
no want shall turn me back;
my Shepherd is beside me,
and nothing can I lack:
Pentecost was the start of the journey of the church, and if that journey could be characterised as a race, it would definitely be a marathon not a sprint. This hymn beautifully reminds us that God’s love, His wisdom and His promises are there at all times during this long race, and He will give us what we need to run it.
I always think of Edna whenever I sing this hymn, and I like to think of it as her final gift to me. If hearing these words again today brings hope, comfort and strength to you at this time of Pentecost, I am sure that would make her very glad.
Philip Clarke
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