In the opening moments of my morning worship a song popped into my head. I started singing to myself, “When We All Get to Heaven...” Maybe I will make it a request next Wednesday as our church gathers together.
When I was young I liked it because of its vigor. You may have attended one of those churches that have two speeds when they sing, slow and slower. I firmly believe that one reason so many young people have turned away from the older music of the church is because it was always sung like it had arthritis. It could barely move. This is a song that is designed to be sung like you are an American soldier marching home from World War II, not like you were a German on his way to a holding field. I was blessed with people who knew how to sing and how to lead singing.
As an old person I like it because of its promise. I am not ready to lay down and die, at least not usually. I still feel like I have something to contribute even if my world doesn’t agree with me. At the same time I am getting close enough to the end to seriously consider it and, you know what, I can get excited about it.
Most people know the first verse but how many can sing the second without a book? Here it is.
While we walk the pilgrim pathway,Notice we are still walking. Notice that the end is coming. Notice that it is not a time for moaning and groaning, except when we stand up.
Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when trav’ling days are over,
Not a shadow, not a sigh!
If you are into modern contemporary 7/11 songs I hope that they come to mind when life opens a new chapter. I rejoice and offer thanks for the music of my youth that has become the music of my dotage.
homo unius libri
What I have come to appreciate more and more in my dotage was the theology contained in the hymns I grew up with. They amounted to a personal catechism. As an example, carefully go through the 3 verses of "Hark, The Herald Angels Sing." Amazing.
ReplyDeleteI am sure you have also noticed that the secular world is getting away from the traditional Christmas carols and substituting silly ditties about love and romance. The theology in the songs is the reason.
DeleteGrace and peace