O blessed rod!

(John Flavel, "A Token for Mourners")

"Heed the ROD and the One who appointed it!" Micah 6:9

What if by God's chastening rod . . .
  your wandering, gadding heart shall be whipped home to God,
  your neglected duties are revived,
  your decayed communion with God is restored,
  a spiritual, heavenly frame of heart is recovered?

Surely you will bless that merciful hand which removed these obstructions, and adore the Divine wisdom and goodness, that by such an affliction as this, He has recovered you to Himself. Now you can pray more constantly, more spiritually, more affectionately than before. O blessed rod, which buds and blossoms with such fruits as these! Let this be written among your best mercies, for you shall have cause to adore and bless God eternally for this beneficial affliction.

Death is our Father's pale horse which He sends to fetch home His tender children, and carry them out of harm's way!