Eli Day: One year ago today…

One year ago today, on September 16, 2007, our first adopted son, John Elias Carlton—“Eli”—who was almost five months old and still living in Guatemala, passed away during his afternoon nap. The following afternoon we received an unexpected call from our social worker to come to her office, and she told us the heartbreaking news. Officially, he was not yet our son, and we had never met him in person. But in our hearts he was already ours. Losing the expectation of holding him in our arms caused us to ache in deeper way than we had known before. Whether it showed or not, it was difficult for us to function for a while. But our family, friends, and church wrapped their arms around us. We have many memories that we cherish of the brief time that we knew Eli, and of those who grieved with us at that time.

A day like this is a good time to share such memories, but for now a picture will have to do, because there is a more pressing issue to deal with.

Too soon after Eli's passing we had to face an even greater challenge when our sister Kathy died on the same day that our nephew Micah was born. Death--the great enemy of all mankind--had confronted us once again, and we are definitely still grieving.

So on this day we need to be reminded of what the Savior of all mankind has done in response to this great enemy--He has overcome. Death was conquered on the Cross, and as a result we have real hope, for eternity and for today. Listen to 1 Corinthians 15:55-58.

55"O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"
56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Notice, not only is there "bright hope for tomorrow" but also "strength for today". Death has been defeated, and our response to days like today should be to remember 1) there is hope (v. 55-57), and 2) there is work to do (v. 58)!

Thank you, God, for carrying Eli safely to your side last year. Help us today to be steadfast in trusting and serving you.