Sitting in the sanctuary, listening to the hymns,
In my Daddy’s place beside my Mama,
Thinking about Heaven, wondering what he’s singing there.
Sitting in the sanctuary, feeling hope and love and grief
And seeing it mirrored on the faces of the people he loved.
Knowing that they loved him, too.
All of us, missing him, knowing that the days ahead
Are uncertain, uncharted, unfamiliar — and unwanted.
Choosing here to think about the hope. Thinking about
The spirit of expectancy. The spirit of holding on.
The determination to hold out for a blessing.
What would he want us to do?
He would want us to do what God wants us to do.
He would want us to love each other.
He would want us to focus out instead of in,
Find something to do for the sake of The Kingdom.
He would want us to tell the good news,
Give to the work of the church, support the ministers.
He would want us to be faithful, people of courage,
Doing what’s right because it is right.
He would tell us “It always pays to be kind.”
And he would tell us that it will be worth it all.
Delaware Grammy 
Just listened to the tape from the AM service and was so inspired to continue to pray with eager expectations. May your New Year bring precious, unexpected blessings. Love, as always.
Ahhhh, Mary Ann. I was glad you and Daniel were sitting with your Mama this morning. And yes, we all did love him too. When John Ivan said what he said at the beginning of his sermon, what you couldn’t see from your place way up in front, were the many, many leaking eyes that were being dried all over the congregation. We love you all, too.
You have such a gifted way of expressing your heart. =) Hope this New Year holds lots of serendipities you’ve never even thought of!
Uncle Mark… I’m sure… has already gone up to God and told Him.. “Thank you for the flowers this morning…”
And I did miss him.
And I was so glad you were sitting with Aunt Alene. I wouldn’t mind taking a turn!!
Do you think he said “Flowers” or did he say “Flar’s?”