Tender Mercies...

I felt impressed to share this experience and how it relates to this song:

I'm missing my dad something fierce today, tomorrow marks 5 months since his passing. I opened up Pandora, looking for solace through music, I typed in "The Mormon Tabernacle Choir" for a 'station' and hit enter. First song out of the gate was a song from the Messiah, one of my dad's favorites - I of course started crying like a baby. Each song played was one that meant SO much to me about my dad. I KNOW he was letting me know he was there (as I felt him standing by me), each song a testament of his love for me and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Best part and why?: The second song played was this one. As my dad suffered the last day of his life, hymns and songs of worship were one of the things that help sooth his suffering. Towards the end, as his body fought to stay with his spirit, he would get restless even on pain medication. The Hymns and other LDS music, helped to calm him. When his favorites were played, he'd deeply sigh as the Spirit (invited by these songs and the sacredness of one leaving this life) helped to soothe his soul, a peace and calmness falling over him. 

The Lord's Prayer is one of my mom's favorite songs, she would sing it, and my dad loved to hear her sing! We'd never heard this version, with Andrea Bocelli singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. That day, I found this song - the way I found it, some may call an accident - it was anything but accidental. As I listed to this song, with my mom laying next to my dad holding his hand, we wept and were overcome by so many things: by the presence of the Spirit, of those on the other side waiting for my dad's return, the knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the sealing power of the Priesthood, the joy the plan of salvation brings, the knowledge that this was not the end, the peace brought by knowing this was the Lord's will and plan for my dad, and the tender mercies of the Lord that were given to us in the last months of my dad's life (and truly my entire life, IF I look for the hand of the Lord, I can see it daily). 

I'm in awe of the Gospel, my Savior, His suffering and sacrifice, His willingness and worthiness to offer Himself for my sake, of the plan of happiness and salvation, the intricate part if plays in my life, the plan the Lord has for each of us, how tailored our own lives are for each of us as individuals, how it teaches us, humbles us, helps us to become better instead of bitter (if we choose), and to "polish us" for the day we too are called home. I am eternally grateful for all I've been blessed with through birthright, trials, loss, defeat, and triumph through the Lord's hand - because all I have is acquired in debt to my Savior and Heavenly Father; the gift of repentance and redemption - the gift given to us all to turn weakness into strength. The more I learn, the more I'm humbled. It strengthens me and encourages me, so I too can say, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

I miss you Dad, thank you for your example, continued guidance, and always being there - even today!! I love you!!

I hope this song touches you the way it has touched me and enjoy the beautiful words...
"...Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." - Matthew 6:9-13