Jewells of Thought

What things give you energy?

Days like today for one… a church Homecoming. My paternal family’s side has been a part of this Methodist church since its inception from what I have been taught. Today marks 206 years this church has been in existence as my cousin said not quite since the Revolutionary years we are the first church still in existence from the beginning of our statehood in 1816. We are the oldest congregation in the state of Indiana the Land of the Indians.

Knowing that my family has had such a part in this historic congregation is so incredible to me. Now as the most recent grandchild who has returned to their roots, although it can be argued Anjuli never left and Abram was like me a grandkid to members of the church. It’s been wild to see us the current younger generations of our families finding our way back to Pleasantville, but I have enjoyed being there with Grandma.

Today though, I got to sing that song I mentioned this week, ‘When God’s People Pray.’ I felt the Holy Spirit so much I got emotional during the song and felt the tears form in my eyes. The words forming in my throat were becoming harder to sing and then the song reminded me of Charlie and the Memorial today. I knew I had to finish the song whether I began crying or not. I felt the tear, but it didn’t fall until I got back to my seat. Talk about God’s timing. My cheerleaders, my fellow choir-members sitting right in front of me in the front row and seeing their faces helped me to finish the song as well as I could with my breathy last note.

That song was so perfect for Homecoming and for Charlie today with the Memorial that was to happen in Arizona later. The compliments mean a lot and feed my energy especially Abrams sweet comment after dinner. I am so blessed to have encouragement and people in my life and a few times the music I sang from was asked about. This book has been a wonderful tool to have the words in the songs are ripe for today even though it was written over 20 years ago.