I had the privilege of attending the Hymn Sing night at Bedford last night. It was such a touching time of worship. I laughed, I cried, I prayed, I danced, and I sang.
A couple of the hymns reminded me of my grandparents, specifically my Mamaw and Papaw, who have both gone to Heaven. My Mamaw was in the choir for many years, and my Papaw was the song leader for many years. I could hear him singing “Old Rugged Cross” as I closed my eyes last night during the Hymn Sing. With teary eyes, I smiled, thinking about how he had made that exchange and was now with Jesus, crown and all. I thought about the symbolic jewels in his crown and how many he and Mamaw both must have.
My grandparents never had a lot of anything. They weren’t rich monetarily. They didn’t leave any of us any physical inheritance. We all got a favorite coffee mug or a coziest blanket when they passed.
But what they did leave was an amazing legacy of a life well lived. They always gave more than they had. My Mamaw was always feeding the masses, praying for her neighbors, and reaching people that most would avoid. They were rich but not with money. They were rich with love and grace that could only come from God.
I think of my grandparents often. And I was pleased to have another reminder of them on both Sunday morning as we talked of true generosity and Sunday night as we sang the “old” hymns.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21