Sunday, June 13, 2010

Dear God,

Together we sang my favorite song Great is Thy Faithfulness. "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 has been thou forever wilt be." What a magnificent song! The words say it all for me.

I have sung this song when my soul soared at great heights, having experienced wondrous times with you, my Great God, moments when your presence was so profound. I have also sung it when my soul dipped deep in despair, when my heart was breaking and my mind was filled with fear and grief. And I have sung it when doubt was pervasive at all levels in my life. Always, always you turned my head toward you; you sang words of hope, encouragement, and love to me.

As a pastor who has performed several hundred memorial services, I know the value and meaning of singing a great song of faith. At my own service some day others will sing this song because it says what I want said about you. I want a message of your faithfulness to be conveyed to those who will come. The gathering will be more about you than about me because you are the center of my life. I want my life to always point toward you.

Guide my life
toward heaven,
Loving God;
mould me
to your liking
so that
I may be
a servant
made in
your likeness.
Teach me
the ways
of Christ
so I may
sing forth
your praise.
Above all,
reveal your light
in me
so that
I may shine
for you
and the world,
I pray.

Love, Andrea