Sunday morning. Bacon, eggs, pineapple, six fancy coffees, two old-ones, four young ones, three little ones (soon to be four) - out the door on time and strung along a row of chairs. Two friend-family round out the party this day in the sun-bright sanctuary. Magical is not a word typically associated with church but there it is. Together in worship is magic to this mama. Geography and responsibility stretch us taut but, in this moment, we are contracted into the same sacred space. And we worship well. Music on point, lovely haunting refrains, even to the critical ears of the oft-jaded-but-can't-help-it musicians among us. Brand new songs quickly learned, old hymn embedded in memory. Behold (what love can do) ... Great is thy Faithfulness. And the tears flow. The shoulders along this row have borne trying days. Changes welcomed and thrust upon. Thou changest not. Thy compassions they fail not. Amen for us all. Hallelujah ripples back and forth.
The young Alabama girl - preacher in training - shouted out her passionate message. There is a shaking, the pain is birth pain... find your focal point... Jesus. Always Jesus. Good will come. This Word from an Auburn fan of all things - in this rival week. In Christ no east or west.
Then communion. Always holy. Holier this day as our first little grand-darling walked forward in the family line to receive the bread and juice. Her little church world experience has been different but here all are welcome. So, her daddy explained and she trusted and partook. First communion. Unexpected sacred moment. Precious gift, this body and blood. Precious gift, The Body and Blood.
Memories captured in photo after the service then on to the sacrament of soup, sandwiches, pedicures and football. Supper of fajitas, macaroni and cheese and chocolate pound cake then down the dark highway toward home. Floating east.
And now, Monday. Feasting on leftover joy. And it's raining again. Selah.
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided— Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon and stars in their courses above, Join with all nature in manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
© 1923. Ren. 1951 Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188 www.hopepublishing.com All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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