This week marks seventeen years in pastoral ministry for me. I cringe when I think about the earliest of those days--back when I was sure I had all the answers. I like it a lot better today--now that I'm comfortable with the fact that I have very few!
I've lost count of the broken hearts and souls I've been privileged to interact with as a pastor, the funerals and memorial services I've conducted, hospital visits I've made, and tears I've cried sitting with families in all the aforementioned settings. One thing has been consistent, however. God has always shown up. It hasn't always been immediate. In fact, more often than not, it is only after a good deal of waiting and searching that His hand becomes evident. But, He always shows up.
A couple of years back, I penned these lyrics. The names have been changed--but they all represent real situations I experienced in ministry. The little refrain about waiting and watching--I have seen God's hand clearly in one of those three situations. I am still waiting and watching in the other two.
Staring through tears at all the pieces of a broken marriage vow; Janey's doubts are overwhelming; can anything save her marriage now?
I'll just wait right here; I'll just wait right here and see
All Robbie wanted was a family, a mom and dad of his very own; caught in a cruel and broken system; will he ever find a forever home?
I'll just wait right here; I'll just wait right here and see
The final chapter has not been written in grief; but joy eternal for the heart that believes; I'll trade the sorrow of these passing things for a glory that never ends
Sarah lost her older brother; he was her hero and best friend; I saw her crying at his funeral and wonder, will she ever smile again?
I'll just wait right here; I'll just wait right here and see
The final chapter has not been written in grief; but joy eternal for the heart that believes; I'll trade the sorrow of these passing things for a glory that never ends
Darin, I love the hymn. Yes, hymn.
It mirrors my own life hymn:
When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul
.
.
.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight
And clouds be rolled back like a scroll
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, Oh my soul.
It ain't over til it's over... mind if I take a seat right there next to you my friend? Seems like I've got some waitin' to do too...
Dave
Posted by: Dave Nichols | March 25, 2009 at 02:11 PM
So when are we gonna get that one back in the setlist?
Posted by: Jesse | April 07, 2009 at 12:08 PM