Singing with an Angel

I had a great experience this past Sunday. For those who may not know, part of my job at the church where I pastor is leading worship. This past Sunday I did a duet with a friend of mine, Don Bradely. Before I tell you about the song, I must first mention that singing with Don Bradely is like singing with an Angel. Not that I have heard angel's sing, but as I imagine, they are amazingly good. Anyway, singing with Don for me is truly a treat as his voice turns music into paintings . . . his voice is like reading a book by a fire, a cup of coffee in hand, with snow falling outside your window. Ok, you get the picture, and Don if you read this I am sorry for embaressing you.

Anyway, we sang the hymn, "For the Beauty of the Earth." And it brought back a flood of memories from my childhood. Before we ate each meal as a family (with my grandparent--which happend a couple times a week) not only would we pray before the meal, we would also sing a hymn. We had about 10 hymns that we would sing over and over and over again, year after year, meal after meal. This all came back to me recently, as I went back to my home town and we all ate together. For the Beauty of the Earth was one of those hymns. I charish those memories. Not only praying as a family before each meal but singing. I don't know if this is a lost part of culture, or possibly one that was never found. Maybe my family being musical, this was just their expression of love to Jesus. Who knows, but I am thankful for it, and for those memories. I am thankful for the beauty of the earth. I am thankful that I am so blessed to be able to sing with Don Bradely, and I am thankful to be surronded by family that loves me. First and foremost my wife Lynsey.

Happy belated thanksgiving to everyone.

Jon