I have been asked to speak at a church other than my own.
To be fair, the person who asked me is a fellow homeschool mom, so maybe there's a bit of bias. She's actually never heard me speak before. I hope I don't disappoint her.
She even gave me a topic: loving God with all your mind. How's that for something to get one thinking?
June 4th is the date.
I went to my friend's funeral yesterday. What a glorious, blessed time, as we remembered. We laughed and cried and sang praises to God. One of the things that my pastor said during the message was that from Rick's children we have all learned honour. We have. Watching them support and love their dad has been a true blessing for me as a parent.
One thing that is good about taking your children to a funeral is that you get a glimpse into thow they mourn. One of my children was quite broken up; another was very quiet but visibly saddened. The other one just wanted to be holed up in the privacy of a bedroom for a while. It's a daunting thing to realize that the man they are burying is only eight years older than your father. My pastor was visibly shaken up, and that was something I had never seen before. It's kind of nice to know that your pastor has a sensitive heart. I kind of suspected it all along.
As I was getting ready to go, directing the kids to get into the car, it occurred to me that days like yesterday will only be more frequent as they get older.
One of the songs sung was one I knew would be sung because I'd heard Rick's wife Pat say it was one of her favourites. It's the hymn "Day by Day."
Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find, to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best—
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.Every day, the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He Whose Name is Counselor and Power;
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,”
This the pledge to me He made.Help me then in every tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
Ever to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land.
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