Funerals, Trains and Ramblings

Yesterday was an unusual day for us. We were at a Memorial Service in Cedartown for a neighbor from years ago and when we arrived Royce was asked to speak and pray. Its a good thing the Lord had already prepared him on the way up. . . nothing is "unexpected" with God.

It was a nice time of remembering our friend, reconnecting with old friends and meeting new people that were also in his life. On our way home we rambled around the backroads of Cedartown looking for photo opps and remembering friends and times past.

While my mind was wandering around over years past, I remembered another friend from that season. She was raised in a Pentecostal home and when she was very young had ambitions of being a preacher. She and her friends would play this "pastor/church" game where she would climb up into the apple tree and preach. Her sermon went something like this:

"Are we going to heaven on a train?" 
 "Noooo" (response from ground congregation)
"Are we going to heaven on a plane?"
 "Nooooooo"
"How are we going to Heaven?"
"On the wingggggs of the the Lowrdddd."

Not sure why I remember that story or why it came to mind yesterday, perhaps the train track reminded me.

Our friend who had passed on was an unusual character; a crusty sort of guy. It was interesting listening to the different accounts of his personality. Everyone seemed to be sidestepping around particular issues. One of his old high school buddies recounted when Tommy received the Lord and how he had thought about it for a long time before making the decision. There was an sigh of relief  from several when that was told.

In the midst of all the talk about him being crusty, stubborn and hard headed - his teen age granddaughter stood and spoke. I loved her view of Tommy. What others saw as a negative she saw as strength, and security. I think perhaps Grandkids are a little like God: they love grandparents unconditionally and see the best in us.

She obviously loved her grandad with abandonment and in return he showed her the very best of his heart. His heritage to her was one of acceptance and she had no doubt that he always had her back. To some he was cankerous but to her he was a refuge. God took the best in him and passed it on to his granddaughter. Strength is an awesome gift of God;  one I'm sure she will use to His glory.

There is a song that talks about "This Old House," and how the inhabitant is getting ready to leave it. The house was once new and shiny just like Tommy when he accepted the Lord in high school, but now it was run down and shabby. The owner was ready to leave.

Tommy doesn't need his old house any longer, he has moved up to his new mansion in glory. Its odd to think of him singing with the angels but once again I'm reminded not to judge a life on one short season. God sees it all, from the beginning to the end. He is gracious and loving and not willing that any should perish - even if the old house looks a little rough.

So we said goodbye to our friend, with prayers for the family and promises to reconnect soon. We headed home to our house with a reminder that even though we get older and our personalities change, God is constant. His love is unconditional and forever.

Feel like travelin' ...