The Zitek's

In addition to my previous post regarding the tragic loss of Jim Zitek, I wanted to add the text from one of my favorite hymns for times of loss. The words strike my heart with comfort, reassurance, and hope for the future and being reunited with those that have passed on before us:

"Be Still, My Soul"by Catharina von Schlegel, 1697-?Translated by Jane Borthwick, 1813-1897

1. Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;Leave to thy God to order and provide;In every change He faithful will remain.Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, FriendThrough thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

2. Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertakeTo guide the future as He has the past.Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;All now mysterious shall be bright at last.Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still knowHis voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

3. Be still, my soul, though dearest friends departAnd all is darkened in the vale of tears;Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,Who comes to soothe thy sorrows and thy fears.Be still, my soul; thy Jesus can repayFrom His own fullness all He takes away.

4. Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening onWhen we shall be forever with the Lord,When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Hymn #651 The Lutheran HymnalText: Psalm 46:10Author: Catharine Amalia Dorothea von Schlegel, 1752, centoTranslated by: Jane Borthwick, 1855Titled: "Stille, mein Wille"Composer: Jean Sibelius, b. 1865, arr.Tune: "Finlandia"