“Do Lord, Oh do Lord, Oh do remember me, O Lordy; do Lord, Oh do Lord, Oh do remember me. Do Lord, Oh do Lord, Oh do remember me; Way beyond the Blue.
I’ve got a home in Glory Land that outshines the sun. I’ve got a home in Glory Land that outshines the sun. I’ve got a home in Glory Land that outshines the sun. Way beyond the blue.”
Sounds like a song from a tent revival somewhere in the South. The memory of it comes from the garden in my heart filled with the scent of lilies and roses. . . and the scene is much different than one would imagine.
When I was in 5th grade, my teacher’s name was Sister Mary Grace. It was the Perfect name for her. Since everything that will ever exist in time is the Perfect will and plan of God, even our names come from Heaven’s baby book. At least once a day, sometimes twice, Sister would make the announcement, “It’s time to skate,” and the entire class would open up their desks, pull out two rags, take off their shoes, stand up and put one rag under each foot. Then the music would start.
The whole class would sing along to the songs and skate over the tile floors to shine them up, and to get a needed break from the studying, and get some exercise. It was pretty cool. Sister was pretty cool. . .and better yet, she was full of Grace.
Grace. Webster defines it as: “generosity shown by God to man; Divine favor unmerited by man; mercy; a free gift of God to man for his regeneration (a free, undeserved new heart); clemency; full forgiveness; benefits given that are full of power.“ The definition was written with her in mind. She was kind, and careful. She actually made learning fun. Her wisdom was extraordinary. We all felt loved by her. Sweetness was her robe and Love was her habit.
“Thou are fairer than the children of men; Grace is poured into thy lips; therefore God has blessed you forever.” Psalm 45:2.
She was never angry. She was like the Pied Piper. She would play a Graceful tune for us and we would follow her everywhere . . .and love every minute of it. The little Dumbo sheep were “all ears” every time Sister Mary Grace opened her lips. The Lilies would bloom every day when the Son would shine in the brightness of her personality. The eagles were enchanted by her Love songs and would soar above their own little personal troubles and woes. The next song was one of her favorites and I still sing it, almost every day.
“When I am in trouble then the devil jumps with glee but he feels so awful, awful when he sees me on my knees. So if you’re full of trouble and you never seem to win, just open up your heart and let the Sun Shine in.
So let the Sun Shine in, face it with a grin; smilers never lose and frowners never win. So let the Sun Shine in, face it with a grin; open up your heart and let the SON Shine in.”
The Greek definition of Grace from the New Testament is: “the Divine Influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life; benefits, favors; “cheer” ful (full of cheer); calmly happy or well-off; “joy”ful (full of joy).“ I am teary-eyed as I think about her and others like her, who have “graced” my heart. But I think mostly about Him, Who is Grace. He is the Alpha and Omega, the A to Z of all your needs. God in His Son, through His Holy Spirit, is Grace. Those who possess Grace, possess Him.
The drooping ears of the Dumbo sheep rise up and open wide every time they hear Him sing; “Everyone who’s thirsty and has no water of their own, and he that has no money; come, buy wine and milk without money and without paying any price. Why do you spend money for that which isn’t even bread for your soul; and why do you labor for something that doesn’t really satisfy? Listen carefully with those big ears. Eat what is Good and free. Open your ears and come to Me; hear what I’m saying and your soul shall live.” Isaiah 55:1-3
The Lilies hear His song and swoon with heavenly Fragrance, filling their souls with His scent. The eagles make ready for take-off and when they hear Him sing, “Fly to Me. Come to me all of you who are weary and loaded with trouble, and I will give you rest,” they soar over the rainbow, they fly above their troubles and failures. He sings to them, “You will mount up with your wings and be Strong, and Wise, and Full of Grace. Perfect Peace for you. Perfect Rest. All given freely because of Grace. “ All because God so Loved His little flock, that He gave His only Son.
Lord, please open up our hearts and let Your Son Shine in.
A Good Moment 