maryjuanita:

Yesterday we first years held the annual memorial service for those who donated their bodies to our anatomy lab.  While we did not know anyone we remembered in life, we came to know them intimately in death, and feel immensely indebted to their gift to us and our medical education.  One classmate remarked that she learned the beauty of an exposed muscle—a thought that once seemed nearly repulsive; I agree.  We are fearfully and wonderfully, and beautifully, made.  What an incredible gift and privilege to have seen and learned as we did.

I was asked to select a passage of scripture to share at the service, and read the well-known, gently encouraging Psalm 23.  In my head, though, throughout much of the service, I found myself singing It Is Well, probably because it’s the song that narrates the memory of the significant memorial services I’ve attended.

I love each verse of the hymn, but yesterday and today, especially these:

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

Oh blessed hope!  It is well.