My two way heart cannot decide
which way to let you go,
with rejoicing at your triumph above,
or mourning for us below.
That you have been our father now
for more years that I can know,
I cannot think of you above
and all of us below.
That God has made His place for you,
I cannot help but know,
that you rejoice with Him above,
and pray for us below.
Longtime your flock has prayed for you
and watched your spirit grow,
do not think it lack of love
that lays my spirit low.
I rejoice in God's peace with you
and home my spirits knows
that forward, onward you lead me
to where I would not go
Except your love had made it clear
all paths to this end lead--
I may take it for good or ill
for living or for dead.
But your voice, your staff is there
leading ever on,
"Be not afraid," your strong voice said,
and pointed ever on.
I follow you, my shepherd
now with greater Shepherd met,
and ask myself this question--
Do I ever let
My selfish heart keep loved one home?
Or rather do I let
my spirit soar to the abode
where faces are not wet--
where I might see
our loved one now
embraced by heavenly kin,
and know that sinners though we be,
we are God's chosen ones.
Dear Father you have spent your life,
to show us all this truth.
Grant through your prayers
I can see it now,
when I most want you here.
Grief is fresh
and tears will pass,
and then there will be only joy,
that the God you know
has shown Himself,
through His gift of you to us.