An Honor

Last night I had the Honor of doing a reading at my friend Sharon's memorial service. Her husband told me before the service that she picked me to do the reading. I know this is supposed to be talking to God, but when I read this, I'm talking to Sharon.
Thank you for giving me this Honor, Sharon, and I will continue your work through you.

Psalm 30

I will praise You, O my Beloved,
for You have raised me up,
and have not let my fears overwhelm me.

O compassionate One, I cried for help, and You comforted me.
You, Love, released my soul from despair,
restored me to life from among those who live in fear.

Sing praises to the Beloved, O you saints,
and give thanks to Love’s holy Name.
Love withdraws when we close our hearts,
yet ever awaits an open door.
In the evening we may weep,
yet joy comes with the morning.

In my prosperity, I had lost sight of Love,
I found power in my wealth,
In your mercy, O Beloved, my foundations You shook,
And, in recognizing my separation from You,
I was dismayed.

I cried to You for help; to You,
I pleaded for forgiveness:
“What profit in my riches if I am separated from Love?
Will emptiness praise You?
Will it tell of your faithfulness?
Hear, O my Beloved, and be gracious to me!
O Love, come to my assistance!”

And You turned my mourning into dancing;
You set me free and clothed me with gladness.
Now my soul may Praise You and not be silent.

O my Beloved, I will be grateful to You forever and ever.

Amen.