(Friends, after sending out the series for next week, I hadn't planned on a message for today. But I'd like to send this, and thanks. Have a great week in our Lord's peace and joy! Glen)
"Soaring, Singing"
"I sure wish I could go with you and Frances."
Miss Liz said this in response to mention of our hike in the mountains of Virginia. We conducted a service today before we left for Virginia at the retirement community where Miss Liz lives. She's hiked those mountains, and would love to do so again. It's not going to happen in this lifetime, however. Miss Liz's body is confined to a wheelchair, in stark contrast to her soaring, singing spirit. Indeed, you may recall my mention of this dear Christian woman in a previous Orange Moon from several years ago:
"I think also of Liz, the dear lady who loves the first hymn many of us ever learned as children. "Glen," Liz told me one day, When I'm going down the halls in my wheelchair and encounter somebody who looks down and sad, I stop and take them by the hand. I ask the person, "Why don't we sing 'Jesus Loves Me' together? It always seems to help."
I never think about this image without tears, as in the present moment. Allow yourself to see and to hear such moments of grace communicated by our Heavenly Father through His daughter. Consider how many hearts He has encouraged by her words, and by her song. And recall that she performs her ministry from a wheelchair that keeps her from trekking through the mountains of Virginia. They do not hinder her soaring and singing, however, and her escorting others into Heavenly places from her wheelchair. I'll think about that for the next 5 days as we venture into those mountains.
I responded to Miss Liz's expressed desire. "Miss Liz, remember that you, Frances and I have already made plans for a hike some day." Last month after a service, I suggested to our dear sister in Christ that in eternity, we will find some beautiful planet yonder in the "new heaven" that will spring forth when God has redeemed and perfected all things (Revelation 21:1). "We'll see sights there glorious and unimaginable, Miss Liz, and you'll lead the way as we climb purple hills, wade in crystal waters, gaze into skies bluer than blue, and rejoice in the glory of God that will shine forth in all things and all places." Miss Liz smiled again today as I reminded of our plans. For now, of course, she'll soar in song and in helping others to realize the love of Christ. "Jesus loves me, this I know…" Yes He does, Miss Liz. And we do too.
"O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together!"
(Psalm 34:3)
Weekly Memory Verse
"I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True".
(Revelation 19:11)
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