As Nate was getting dressed this morning, I was across the room organizing his closet, bringing the most comfy clothes to the middle and sliding the suits to the end. All of a sudden he began to sing, very softly and to himself. I stopped what I was doing and listened.
Nate is tone deaf and hasn’t sung in church for years, after one condemning experience. He was trying to sing on-key (without success) when the lady in front of him turned all the way around to look directly at him and make sure he saw her disapproval. He stopped mid-chorus and hasn’t sung in church since.
He knows the words to most of the songs in the hymn book (along with the words to all of the Elvis Presley tunes). He’s also aware of his tendency to sing off-key and knows this makes on-key singing difficult for those around him. But I’ve tried to convince him our worship singing arrives in heaven as melodious music, no matter what the ability of the songster. (I’m not sure about the Elvis songs.) Although we’ve all encouraged Nate to sing, nothing can convince him.
TODAY, however, he was singing. The tune was nothing I recognized, and maybe it was just miscellaneous notes strung together. But as I listened, it loosely resembled a chorus we sang often at Moody Church while I was growing up:
“Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by,
Trusting him whate’er befalls,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.”
Maybe our new slow-release pain pills were doing a fabulous job. I prefer to think it was the Lord reaching down with yet another gift. Against all logic, he blessed Nate with joy at his core, deep in his heart, despite the horrendous circumstances of his deteriorating physical life.
I got a gift this morning, too. Having awoken with tears trickling out even before I opened my eyes, I was lifted from that low place to a place of well-being, right at the start of another difficult day.
“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” (Nahum 1:7)
How sweet! I’m so glad to know you are finding joy in little things… I love you both so much. Can’t wait to see you later TODAY!
And such sweet sounds were those notes to His ears. You are lifted in prayer. We are praying. The Bible Psalms come to life now and are more applicable than ever before. But they are living and well and ALL for our souls. I’m not sure words of mine can mean anything to you. But I care deeply and your are always on my mind.
Margaret, Thank-you so much for sharing these precious moments along with the difficult moments. They not only show what to specifically pray about but also allows us to be a part of what you are going through on this emotional roller coaster. I am praising the Lord for the unexplainable joy that He put in Nate. That is a true picture of God’s “amazing grace”. Your other joy package (Adam, Linnea and Skylar)will be arriving later today which will make these difficult times fade into the background.
Thank you for sharing Margaret. May we all trust like that and may God continue to be your refuge in the days to come. Praying for you today. Deborah Gomez
Isn’t our God great to even give “songs in the night” giving peace and strength. Yes, you are always on our minds, but more wonderful is that you are ALWAYS and in ALL WAYS on His mind, and how we are seeing that in your daily witness. Blessings on you and your family this week-end as you continue to be drawn together in heart, soul and body.
Your gracefulness through this ordeal inspires me, Margaret. I hurt for you & Nate, and I hope that the greatest good will come from your pain.
Aren’t we blessed to have those precious songs deep in our hearts so that we can sing in the dark nights of the soul! Love to you all.
When Lee and I were just beginning our journey through prostate cancer 4 years ago, God woke me every morning with a hymn – not one I’d recently sung, but one that brought me great comfort for the day. Many of them I had not sung in years, and the words were all there! He is faithful, and his unfailing love surrounds each of his children. In this world we have trouble, but God, through Jesus Christ, has overcome the world! Blessed be his name. Much love to all of you from Lee and me.
Thank you Jesus, for putting a song in Nate’s heart and letting him feel free enough to release it back to you…and giving Margaret the joy of hearing him praise you.
Thank you, Margaret, for sharing something so precious; you all will get a ‘shot in the arm’ today when little Skylar arrives with her parents in tow….and know you are ALL in our prayers throughout each day.
An old saying goes “Pray for the best and expect the worst” – WRONG – Pray for the best and EXPECT GOD’S BEST – the end result will be His will !!
Have a WONDERFUL WEEKEND !!
I know that song, too – and what a perfect message for us all today – “trusting Jesus, that is all”. Bless you, Margaret, for looking for these precious gifts from God and for sharing them with us.
He who sings PRAYS TWICE….
I feel so privileged to read your thoughts. My heart is pouring out as I think of you and Nate. God doesn’t waste anything does He? Thank you Jesus!
Thank you, thank you for your example of true faith. Realize that through your suffering many will be blessed, and Jesus’ name will be praised. You and Nate are heroes.
You and Nate and family continue to be in my prayers. Thank you for sharing the good and the difficult. It’s an inspiration. What a blessing to have a
song in your heart.