To Scott and all OurEcho Community:
We have had sad times within our community the past several weeks with the passing of Scott's mother and now his father. And also the loss Gail Martin's family has had to deal with when Shannon Hyle passed away so suddenly.
So many times we are at a loss for words at times of grief and sorrow. Our hearts are full, but the mouth doesn't always let the sentiment come through. Forty years ago tomorrow (January 16th) we lost our first child who was only seven weeks old. Three years later, we lost our third child at only one day. At the time, friends and family offered us love, prayers, and support. One of them sent us a poem tucked inside a sympathy card, one that I've treasured for all these forty years. I have sent it on to many since I received it. The author of the poem is unknown, but surely it was a person who suffered a loss and has shared their wisdom through poetry.
I hope it will bring some comfort to those who are hurting for whatever reason.
Nancy Julien Kopp
The Plan Of The Master Weaver
Our lives are but fine weavings,
That God and we prepare,
Each life becomes a fabric planned
And fashioned in His care.
We may not always see just how
The weavings intertwine,
But we must trust the Master’s hand
And follow His design,
For He can view the pattern
From the upper side,
While we must look from underneath
And trust in Him to guide.
Sometimes a strand of sorrow
Is added to His plan,
And though it’s difficult for us,
We still must understand
That it’s He who fills the shuttle,
It’s He who knows what’s best,
So we must weave in patience
And leave to Him the rest…
Not till the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why—
The dark threads are as needed
In the Weaver’s skillful hand
And the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.
--Anonymous