THE WORST AND THE BEST

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," so Charles Dickens (1812-1870) wrote in A Tale of Two Cities. That was last Saturday for my husband Bill and me. His cousin Paul’s funeral was in the morning and we drove the two hours to attend the service. While there, we also had the blessing of visiting with other sweet family members—so, the worst became the best.

As a singer, a real "best" was a song that was sung during the service. While the words of the pastor reminded us all of what Paul had meant to his family and his church, there was still a deep sadness over his leaving. As various family members pass on to Glory, the beautiful song of Bill’s extended family is slowly coming to an end. Yet, in the middle of sorrow, the minister of music sang a favorite song of Paul’s, a recent hymn I had missed. The words also reminded us of something else, the glorious promises of God.

". . . the prophet gave this promise, the Spirit will descend,
and from your inner being, a river with no end."

From David and Max Sapp’s beautiful hymn, There is a River (©2011).
God has sent his prophets, and even his only son, to tell his children of his deep and healing love. He promised us that he would be the headwater to the river that will flow through our soul and guarantee that we will never thirst again. Will you fear the water or dip your cup in? Will you dwell on the worst or embrace the best? Both are in front of us every day. We are left with the choice—the best of times, or the worst of times? Let us pray:

"Father God, you place us among your earthly children with a mission and a choice. We are called to be witnesses, to walk the path you have given us, and tell of your great love and work in our lives. We sometimes forget the mission. We make our own plans, as noble as they are, and then ask you to bless our small efforts. When, the miracle is the amazing mission you have planned for us, if we chose to accept your leading. Forgive us when we do not trust you. We claim we cannot take a step until you tell us what to do, when our mission is to walk blindly in the world and let you led the way. That is a life full of amazing miracles. Holy Father, we praise you for your river of holiness that flows from the fountainhead of your throne to the quenching waters in our heart. In the name of Jesus, your son and our redeemer, we pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp