The High Note

What an awesome service at church yesterday!  The song service was almost celestial as we were lifted on the wings of praise.  I sensed a rarified atomosphere of light and glory that brought tears to my eyes.

It was Memorial Day, and the pastor's message was not only geared to our country's sacrifice, but also to the memory of his dear wife, our friend, who passed to heaven's glory but three months ago.  His theme was "We have a right to remember," referencing many scriptures in the Bible where we are told to remember..."Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God," Psalm 20:7..."Thy name, O Lord, endureth forever; and thy memorial, O Lord, throughout all generations," Psalm 135:13, and others.

Last night was our Sunday Night Sing, when everyone who has a song is invited to participate.  Our pastor dedicated two songs to his late wife, one being a peppy, invigorating number entitled, "I Am Healed."   "Clara asked me to sing this to her when she was having her health stuggles," he shared.  "Now she has had the ultimate healing...in heaven!"  Then he sang the plaintive old hymn, "Farther Along,"  which tells us, "We'll understand it better bye and bye."

Howard and I sang "Sweet, Sweet, Anointing," and I was amazed at the effect it had on people.  It must have been meant that we would sing it, for when Howard selected it that afternoon, I at first thought it wouldn't do, but suddenly it seemed right and we barely practiced.

An eighty-something lady, a member of a "Sweet Adelines"-type group, who had recently been released from the hospital, blessed us with "Holy Ground," sung in her clear--even youthful--voice, perfectly modulated and rich with feeling.  Later, the other aged members of the trio joined her in voices that poured over the congregation like liquid honey, the golden notes amazing in their quality and sweetness.

After the service, the director made comments of appreciation that we were able to have this venue to let everyone sing a song from their heart.  She told of an older man that had come once and sang, saying later that although he had gone to church all his life, no one had ever asked him to sing. Then someone mentioned a relative newcomer to our church, also an older gentleman, who had remarked as he and his wife prepared to sing recently, "I've never sung with my wife before."  They were remarkable!

I reflected that Howard and I had only recently resumed singing together, not having sung in church since we were teenagers!   The theme of the service came back to me, and I realized that God remembers, too!