Palm Sunday's Message & Reminiscing

Today Pastor Stewart proclaimed that there is never too much Christianity in the world. He reminded us that we can never proclaim the glory of God enough. Hosannah! Glory to God! God is Good! Amen!

Looking through one of my old journals, I find an entry I authored on Friday, May 13, 2005 as I was studying Ephesians 3:14-21:

"Verse 14 speaks of kneeling before God. This sparks a particular memory of my childhood. My Grandfather had "worship" twice per day. Whomever was home participated. We usually sang a Psalm. We had really old Psalm books without music and only sang a couple different tunes for all of them. We read the Bible and often took turns reading around the room. Then we'd sing again and finally everyone would physically get down on their knees and pray. I don't remember all that we prayed for or about, but it seemed to always conclude with the Lord's prayer. Wow, looking back at my grandfather's dedication to worship makes me feel like I'm not worshipping enough. He even asked a dismissal blessing from the dinner table if I remember correctly."

We used to call him "Grampy." He was a kind gentleman who was devoted to God, loved his family and friends and who would give the shirt off his back for anyone in need. He loved his farm and worked hard all his life. He loved children. He and I had a special bond. I remember sitting on his lap, atop of his old tattered work pants, snuggled up against his flannel shirt, holding his hand with the crooked finger which was at least twice the size of mine. He chewed Mailpouch tobacco. Maybe that's why I collect Mailpouch barns... as some long lost connection to my Grampy?

I aspired to be like him in my adult life. For years I wanted nothing more than to work the fields and milk cows... a life similar to his. When I married I felt as if I was dismissing those dreams, but eventually I realized that it was not the profession that would make me like him. It was my love of God, of my friends and family, and how I choose to show it. I still desire to be like my Grampy in so many ways.