As I sit at Dads bedside in the quiet hours of the early morning my mind travels over the past 50 years of my life and the 91 years of his. So many beautiful thoughts and memories. I know his time on Earth is drawing to a close, and hes patiently waiting for when our precious heavenly Father reaches out to take him to the place of perfect peace and everlasting joy. Dad is ready to take that final step. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I WILL FEAR NO evil: for THOU art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.......Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of The Lord FOREVER. For those that know anything about my father, you know that his greatest joy in life was to be in Gods house. As his mental health has slowly declined in the past few years and especially the last year he would ask many times each day if we were going to church. I loved the way he would say Are we having a coming together tonight? I would gently remind him, No Dad, today is Monday, or Tuesday or Thursday or Friday. BUT, come Weds, I could smile and say yes Dad, we go tonight, and he would have that sweet little smile cross his face. He was ready to shave his face and comb his hair and begin making ready to go. At 91 years of age he was READY to go to church. He longed to get in and shake hands with everyone and say a few words to each. As I watched, each time the person he greeted would smile or chuckle at the happy words he would share with them. Most of the time he would talk so softly that they would have to lean close to hear what he said. Maybe he talked quietly on purpose because he knew he would get a nice handshake or better yet, a little hug. Ive watched as he progressed in age, and seen his sweet spirit become even more pronounced. He longed to be with those he loved so dearly, and to wish them well or remind them he would see them at the next church service or visit. He never reached a point to which he couldnt get a smile from the ones he would see. There would never be a way to know just how many lives he touched and encouraged. I know he certainly did mine. The saying he so often share with all his kids and younger folks was to Stay with The Lord or Stay in church. You can rest assured that I have never laid out of church but what those words would pass through my mind and remind me where I was supposed to be when the church doors were open! Everyone knew if Dad was not at the meeting house that there was something severe going on with him. He was faithful...he was THERE if there was anyway possible! From my early childhood until the time I left home, we WENT! It only took me questioning that a couple times to remind me To keep my comments to myself and get ready to go. No, he wasnt an evangelist, but he felt an obligation to support other churches during revival seasons. He longed to go and be with Gods people and be that faithful prayer warrior he has always been. Part of his love for church was definitely singing. His voice would ring out with harmony as he would sing his parts. He was never a music scholar but there is nobody on earth that could have enjoyed singing any more than he does. His mental changes that progressed with his aging process didnt seem to affect his memory of the words to many hymns that he had sang all of his life. He might not could remember what day of the week it was but he could sing a verse of a song without missing a note. He thrived on the things he loved so dearly.....his church, his family, his friends. In the last couple of years we had a little joke regarding the song I Wouldnt Take Nothing For My Journey Now. Dad most certainly wouldnt take anything for that journey but he also wouldnt take nothing for his buddy or wouldnt take nothing for his cook or wouldnt take nothing for his fixer etc., or my favorite....wouldnt take nothing for his red headed daughter.....on and on. He could make you smile even when you didnt want to. It was just his way of life and reminded us all of how appreciative he was of us and how content he was on his journey. In the last month his little teasing too on a whole new meaning as he would softly say....I wouldnt take nothing for my journey now. He meant it with ever ounce of his being. Such a blessed journey he has had. I had to look up the lyrics and add them just in case u never heard the song. As written by Charles Goodman and Jimmie Davis, it goes....I started out traveling for The Lord many years ago, Ive had a lot of heartaches, had a lot of trouble and woes, Oh, when I would stumble then I would humble down. Id say thank Lord, I wouldnt take nothing for my journey now. Theres nothing in this world that can ever take the place of Gods love, silver and gold could never buy His love from above. When my soul needs healing and I begin feeling His power, I can say, Thank The Lord, I wouldnt take nothing for my journey now. I wouldnt take nothing for my journey now, Ive got to make it to heaven somehow, though the devil tempts me and tries to turn me around. Hes offered everything thats got a name, all the wealth I want and wordly fame, but if I could, still I wouldnt take nothing for my journey now Dad is getting close to ending this earthly journey and crossing over to the other side. There is a light at the river that soon he will be crossing. Dear Heavenly Father...lead him gently to the haven of rest. We will hold Dads hand and love him until The Lord reaches out His strong hand to take him to the place he has longed to go. I wish I could see his face when he gets his first look at his Savior and Lord, and the one he has served so faithfully. I believe he will hear the words Well done My good and faithful servant. Welcome home! For now and for always, I love my precious sweet and loving Father. I know your dad is the best father to you, and may be equal to mine, but there is no one on earth that could have a BETTER father than mine is to me. I love you Dad.
Posted on: Thu, 14 Aug 2014 10:23:38 +0000
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