The Day You Gave Me, God, Is Ending The day you gave me, God, is ending and now it’s time to close my eyes The last few hours were long and testing but I know that peace will be my prize You gave me riches queens would envy and you gave me weights I scarce could bear But through it all, both joy and sorrow, I always knew that you were there I felt your gentle arms uplift me; I felt your hands upon my brow You gave me courage when I faltered … and I know that you are with me now Come, pick me up, O, Blessed One, in your arms and take me home The sun has set and light is fading and I’ve no further need to roam In your arms, I am contented; in Your Presence, I am healed Afflictions, now, do not assail me; Your Perfection’s now revealed How could I wish to curb my parting when your love enfolds me so? The Gentle Shepherd’s light directs me and I’ve no reason to say “No.” Help my family to release me; soothe their aching hearts, somehow Let them know I live forever with no restrictive body now Life’s a process all must follow; no exemptions; no reprieves From our birth through to our passing it’s God’s hand which sculpts and weaves. There’s no way we can avoid it; eventually each must stand, alone To take that walk through death’s dark vale … on the journey home by Lynnette Hanson Munn © 14.07.2006 This poem was inspired by the song title “The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Has Ended”. My Mum had told me she really liked this song but I’d never, ever heard it … and the words written here, for her, in 2006, are nothing at all like the words of that original song. I think Hugh might have liked this poem, so I offer it here, to him. He was such a special person in my later life and I am already missing our texts but happy to have been able to hold his hand for a wee while recently, knowing he knew I was there.