1990 - It was a beautiful summer's day. My wife's parents had their motor home at the beach; I think it was De Anza Cove. Family members had joined them out there to enjoy the beach and some family time. I took Bonnie and Monique down to the water to look for shells and play for a bit in the water. When we returned, there was wailing and crying coming from the motor home. My heart jumped in my chest as I realized something unthinkable must have happened. It took me a while to get someone calmed down enough to fill me in, but I eventually learned of the terrible tragedy that took place that day. Their daughter-in-law was driving her three children out to McCaine Valley to meet her husband for a weekend of camping. There was a bad accident. She, and the two youngest were okay but the eldest son was not so fortunate. It was the first time in my life I had been touched by the death of a close family member. The grief was consuming for the entire family and we pulled together for strength as never before. I can’t remember who asked me, but someone asked if I would be willing to play a song at the memorial service for my nephew. I wanted to do one better and I wrote this song to speak to the wonderful hope that we all have that heaven is waiting when we leave our short lives on this earth. Maintaining my composure to sing and play the song was one the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do. I remember finishing and looking up, wondering how I had done- my mind had gone into autopilot and I had no idea what the song sounded like. He had been such an amazing young boy- so full of life and spunk. I think of his mischievous smile whenever I hear this song. Here are the lyrics:
BECAUSE WE LIVE HERE
Words and music by Reggie Michaud © 1990
Haven’t you seen the Lord is here working inside your heart?
Look and you’ll see His hand lifted up, wiping your tears
Deep in your heart His perfect love, is casting away your fear
Won’t you invite Him into your life? His Spirit is drawing you near.
Because we live here on this earth
Such a short time like the leaves on the trees
Then we move on to a beautiful place
Where we live for eternity
All of your prayers the Lord will hear, eager to answer soon
He has ordained a plan for your life, one that is fresh and new
All that you know the Lord knew first even the pain you feel
Can you give all your sorrow to Him and trust that your wounds He will heal?
Because we live here on this earth
Such a short time like the leaves on the trees
Then we move on to a beautiful place
Where we live for eternity
Yes we live here on this earth
Such a short time like the leaves on the trees
Then we move on to a heavenly place
Where we live for eternity
Yes we live here on this earth
Such a short time like the leaves on the trees
Then we move on to a beautiful place
Where we live for eternity