It’s the time when night gives way to a new day. I slip out onto the balcony and wait for the sun to peep over the horizon.
Closing my eyes, I let the gentle rhythm of the surf wash over me. Words to an old hymn come to mind:
all nature sings and round me rings
As I sing softly to myself and God, I’m back with Karen, Judy and Becca in Sunday school opening exercises at the First Methodist Church in my Searcy.
Will, Paulette, Irvin and the other older kids are there, too. And we’re all singing our hearts out.
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| Our Sunday school department at FMC Searcy in 1954. I realize you can’t really see us in all our 7-year-old cuteness, but Karen’s the first one on the left end of the front row. I’m next to her and Becca’s next to me. Judy is that tiny little girl, second from the end on the right side of the same row. |
Gratitude wells up within me. Blessed to have been taken to Sunday school and church. Blessed to have been told about our Creator. Blessed to have heard about a heavenly Father who loves me. Even me. Especially me.
I need that when I stumble and fail at this thing called life. I don’t claim to understand it, and I sure don’t deserve it. But I give thanks for God’s mercy, grace and love. I think, if only everyone could know.
Like a whisper, I hear, You could tell them.
the birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
declare their Maker’s praise…
This is my Father’s world,
This is my Father’s world,
he speaks to me everywhere.
The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!
The United Methodist Hymnal Number 144
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| Last year, Karen, me, Becca & Judy– still connected by love, faith & memories of those early years. |
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world and they that dwell therein.
Copyright © Reflections from Dorothy’s Ridge 2015. All rights reserved
Beautiful as always.
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Thank you, friend. I appreciate you reading and commenting.
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I found myself singing along with you:) I am also so thankful to have been brought up in a church family that loved and nurtured me for many yearsThanks for sharing. Glad you're back!
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I love this song. It's not often sung in church anymore, but the words still roll right off of my tongue. It is such a beautiful reminder of His love.
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We grew up in a great time. Thanks for reading!
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And the word still make me smile! I'm glad they spoke to you. Thanks for reading.
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Childhood church memories are the sweetest, and childhood church friends are the best!
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So true. I share a special kind of bond with those girls.
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