A Hand Along the Journey: Poems for the King from One Pilgrim to Another

Today marks a “first” for me. It’s the first time I’ve lived through as many Father’s Days without my dad alive on earth as I did with him here. I’m the last of his children to reach that marker in the steady passage of time. When he died in 2000, I was just entering adulthood. A lot has changed. We are all used to life without his physical presence, but he still is part of our lives, and always will be. My husband encouraged me today to take some time to reflect once again about my dad. So many good words have been written/spoken about him by so many, that sometimes for a moment it seems easier to stay busy than to stop and think and feel his loss poignantly again. What could I write today that hasn’t been written before? And, yet, I cannot not stop and think. “The memory of the just is blessed.” (Prov. 10:7) And so I remember…       He treated people with courtesy and respect. If we were already seated at church and someone, especially an older person, stopp...

“And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy…’” (Rev. 5:9) Hush! If you listen, you may hear Strains of music without peer. Heaven’s musicians in grand crescendo Bring praise to the God Whose name I know. My soul hears what my ears one day will; Though faint, it’s enough to make my heart thrill With joy, that one day I’ll play with them there, Worshiping holy Trinity beyond compare. As thunder rolling, timpani vibrate In praise of Majesty Who did all create. Trumpets the royal fanfare proclaim, Honoring the King: worthy is His name! Woodwinds in minor key highlight redemption’s cost, When the I AM left His throne to die for the lost. Then harps’ flowing arpeggios, as a brook rippling over rocks, Lift our souls and hands as we joy – out of the tomb He walks! From selah’s contemplation to triple forte’s jubilation, Who He is and all His acts will fill our adoration! From guitars to violins, stringed instruments weave the story Of all o...