Service before Thanksgiving, my
Favorite of the year.
But this morning was over the top.
I choked up remembering five years ago,
The first time I attended without Jack.
And I could barely bear to see the
Empty seats beside me where Mark and
Becky always sat.
Mark's spot will never again be filled.
I absorbed the message on thankfulness, how
It characterizes all of the Christian life.
My voice cracked when we sang, "Out of the
Silence the Roaring Lion declared the grave has
No claim on me." *
And finally, when we ended with the Doxology I put
My arm around my first grandchild, Paul Min, and
Whispered in his ear. "The first time I saw you in
The airport, we welcomed you home with that
Song."
It had been 22 years ago, and now as I heard him
Sing along, my heart smiled and warmed me.
The words were never more true:
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow."
Praise God in the glorious times when you greet
Your grandson in the airport.
Praise God in the grave times when you grieve for
Your husband and stepson.
In the "anythings and everythings" of life, **
Praise God.
*Living Hope by Phil Wickham
**Pastor Jonathan Wiley