Karen Wood
Comfortable composure, leaning against a tree, with shining eyes, delight in his spirit that splashed out on others, fun waiting to happen, thoughtfulness of other’s feelings and interested in what they believed, gentle watching of what people did, lean, spry and fast on his feet, in a moment he was gone, looks in his face that said he had a deep heart and deeper feelings, taking time to think before speaking, letting others speak first, accepting direction but having an obvious look of wheels spinning in his head, a clarity of what he was thinking, asking questions and actually listening, a heart of compassion and a joy that warmed hearts, a delight and yet a bit of a sweet rascal! These are a few of the things that flash in my mind as I grieve and wonder how parents and a brother handle so many precious memories at a time like this. I thank the Lord that He gives us memories so we can remember and not forget special people who have impacted our lives!
Matthew was in our home often from age 2-10, as our daughter considered him as her best friend during their young years because he was a GOOD FRIEND! Babysitting him was easy. As he grew older he was still always easy to talk to and conversations were always deep, no shallowness!
God…it hurts! But how delightful to view the pictures of when Matthew was young. I have often noticed a familiarity in the young face of Jordan Gates that I wondered why it seemed so similar.The first photo I saw on the blog jumped at me as I saw Jordon’s face in Matthews and delighted to know why I loved Jordon’s face. The same sweet, gentle, active spirit is in Jordon and I love it.
One person can impact our lives so deeply and we are connected literally forever! We don’t even know God is skillfully, intentionally putting eternity into our relationships. In the painful passing of one who is forever connected to us, we probably all sense the “blessed hope” which is quickened in us as well as a call to use our lives well. I rejoice that we can look forward to an expected reunion and share with Matthew what his unsuspected departure worked in us. With Matthew’s seemingly untimely exit, I am reminded that God is Thee Almighty, sovereignly in control of the affairs of men. I bow in awe and praise for all He is doing through this in our hearts.
Ecc 8:8 ” No man has the power over the wind to contain it; so no one has the power over the day of his death.”
Prov 14:31 When calamity comes the wicked are brought down, BUT EVEN IN DEATH THE RIGHTEOUS HAVE A REFUGE(!)”
Php 1:21″For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
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