I love music and listen to wide range of genres; my taste is rather eclectic. For several weeks now I have had one song reverberating in my head and it is one from the old ‘All together now’ series (I still think there are some wonderful gems there).
I’m currently in the space of finding out I’m going to be a grandfather for the first time early next year but also dealing with the struggle my father faces with cancer. It’s a funny space – I am excited about the impending birth but on the other hand it is tempered by being faced with the expected outcome of my father’s illness.
The song that has been on loop in my head is one written by John Ylvisaker, ‘I was there to hear your borning cry’. The words of this song have taken on a special meaning for me as I reflect on God’s continued presence in my life and in the lives of those whom I love. At all stages of life God is there – from the moment we enter this world until the time we are called home (ah, another song from church last Sunday ‘…and one by one you call us home.’ – Robin Mann).
It is comforting to know that God is with us as we travel this journey of life – no matter what happens he is there beside us; he knows us, he loves us and cares for us.
“I was there to hear your borning cry,
I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,
to see your life unfold.
I was there when you were but a child,
with a faith to suit you well;
In a blaze of light you wandered off
to find where demons dwell.”
“When you heard the wonder of the Word
I was there to cheer you on;
You were raised to praise the living Lord,
to whom you now belong.
If you find someone to share your time
and you join your hearts as one,
I’ll be there to make your verses rhyme
from dusk ’till rising sun.”
In the middle ages of your life,
not too old, no longer young,
I’ll be there to guide you through the night,
complete what I’ve begun.
When the evening gently closes in,
and you shut your weary eyes,
I’ll be there as I have always been
with just one more surprise.”
“I was there to hear your borning cry,
I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,
to see your life unfold.”
So, in this space I currently find myself I know that God is with my son and his wife as they prepare to care, love and nurture a new baby, while he is also with my father (and mother) as they look into an uncertain future on earth. The certainty in all of this is that God is holding, loving and caring for each one of them – and us.
May you continue to feel God’s presence and guidance in your life – no matter what stage in life you are at. It is through him and in him that we can find comfort and strength.
(Footnote: On the 13th November my father closed his weary eyes and met Jesus face to face).
Blessings,
Shane Paterson
Director: Leadership & School Improvement
