Rev. Ray and Pat Amos
Psalm 143:5
“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.”
“CLING TO WHAT WAS GOOD AND DECENT”
This past weekend was a special time for us. I was blessed to preach in my hometown, and Pat and I loved being with family, neighbors, classmates, and friends that we haven’t been with in a long time; some more than fifty years. It was one of those days that I truly believe that we were blessed with a “God Wink.”
As we took a ride down the streets of town, the memories came from all directions. One narrow road lingered with me, and I remembered the days of old: It was a little house at the bottom of the hill, but there was just a step between it and Heaven. The boards on the floor of the porch were unpainted and worn by time and the treading of many souls. The lace curtains on the door window had a welcoming draw.
On winter nights the stove burned hot, and the old wallpaper seemed to glow with warmth and love. Sometimes the entertainment was a good “haint” story; other times it was the ghostly static of nighttime radio. Children went to bed loved, clean and prayed for.
No one slept in fear; and you awakened beneath the weight of quilts and covers to the sound of the stove grate being shaken. Soon the fire would be popping and crackling; and breakfast would be on the table. If you remember a place like that, you are a very wealthy person.
l know that change is inevitable, but can’t we cling to what is good and decent as we walk ahead? It is different times, but I think about the children, and I’m glad for all the new things that they will know; it is the things that they will not know that saddens me. What will they remember about their childhood that will brighten their soul on a melancholy day? I hope that they will remember kindness and being loved.
There is an old Gospel song that says, “Time has made a change in the old home place; Time has made a change in each smiling face, and I know my friends can plainly see time has made a change in me.”
I don’t know; It seems that the colors and smells of Autumn awaken the sentimental spirit in me. sometimes I just get to remembering, and then I think, “What a Wonderful World, thank you Lord for us be a part of it.”
Grace and Peace, Rev Ray
“Link to YouTube Video – Time Has Made a Change
