Streams of Mercy

Mondays are usually quiet, peaceful days for me, and today I’m doing lots of remembering. I just learned the Clerk of Session in my first church in Virginia died at the age of 95 and one of my dearest seminary classmates died at the age of 93.

Moving from teaching first grade in the mountains of southeastern Kentucky to seminary in Richmond, Virginia, at the age of 40, had been a major undertaking! Moving from seminary to serve the church in Rustburg, Virginnia was a major undertaking as well! In moments when I struggled with single-parenting three children and finding my way in ministry, the RPC Clerk of Session was a source of love and encouragement day by day. On days when I doubted my ability to do what I believed I was called to do, she would say, “Just let me believe in you….until you can believe in yourself.” I did just that, with her help!

That dear seminary friend was a retired AT&T executive who went to seminary at the age of 65. He was a father figure for me, and in some moments a strong and supportive brother, a grandfather to my children, and his wife taught the children in Luther School – so our relationship was a family affair! They lived in Bedford, Virginia and often went home on week-ends. At times we most needed to “get away” we found a home-away-from- home at their house in Bedford. I’ll always remember the sermon at his Service of Ordination: “When Old Men Dream Dreams.”

With all these thoughts in my heart I glanced at the “Find a Friend” app on my cell phone, and saw as if never before, how our family has scattered to many places! Those who once lived only streets apart in that small Kentucky town now live in Nevada, Georgia, Virginia, Florida, and yes, some are still in Kentucky! Cousins have drifted to Texas and Indiana; and all but one grandchild is in college!

As I dealt these thoughts a wonderful children’s hymn from that “old” blue hymnal came to mind – “Wherever I May Wander”:

Wherever I may wonder, wherever I may be,

I’m certain of my Maker’s love; God’s care is over me.

God made the great high mountains, and made the wide blue sea.

God made the sky where airplanes fly, God made the world, and me.

Throughout the whole creation, I see God’s loving care

for everyone in every land, God’s children everywhere.

Wherever I my wander, wherever I may be,

I’m certain of my Maker’s love; God’s care is over me.

As I remember dear friends who’ve made their final journey “home” and as I remember family scattered to many places, I’m grateful to know “God’s loving care, wherever we may be.’

Elizabeth