Last night the road took me to Weston Oregon, to the Longbranch Saloon one of my dad’s favorite places to eat. Some of my dad’s friends and colleagues were hosting a retirement party for my dad who just completed 45 years in education. While for me, 45 years in a class room is un-thinkable, but to my dad it was just doing what he was called to do.
I was especially blessed by watching his co-workers as they interacted with my dad. They get him, which is saying something, but more importantly they truly understand his commitment to kids. All night, the faces of “kids”, some now grown with children of their own, kept flashing through my mind. The countless hours that dad spent making himself available to kids and their families to insure success, countless hours in his basement home office going over math or some other subject with someone trying to grasp the concepts.
I wondered what it would be like if we tried to fit them all in one room. I wondered what kind of emotional reunion that would be for my dad, who had already pre-recorded his thank yous on his I-pod, in order to curb the emotions he was already feeling. The evening wasn’t free of emotion that is for sure, how could it be.
We, should really thank those that have impacted us more often. It is easy to forget that we all can feel the affects of the “battle wounds” and sometimes the best salve is someone letting you know that what you do, what you did for them, mattered. Not that it is the thing that drives us, as dad would say, and did say, “it seems weird to be honored for doing what your suppose to have done”, but even he could use an “atta boy” every now and again.
The evening was brilliant on so many levels…. Small, as that is how dad wanted it. But, heart-felt and fun. A true reflection of the man it was honoring.
Had I been asked to sing… and had I done what was asked, I would have chosen this song…..As it truly says everything one would need to say. Well that and.. Welcome to your new chapter.. I know that God is saying, well done my good and faithful servant…. well done. SO rest for a moment… and then hold on!!!!
Thank You for Giving To The Lord
Music & Lyrics by Ray Boltz
I dreamed I went to Heaven, you were there with me.
We walked upon the streets of gold beside the Crystal Sea.
We heard the angels singing, then someone called your name.
You turned and saw this young man, and he was smiling as he came.
He said, “Friend you may not know me now,” and then he said, “But wait –
You used to teach my Sunday School, when I was only eight.
And every week you would say a prayer before the class would start.
And one day when you said that prayer,
I asked Jesus in my heart.”
Chorus
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am so glad you gave.
Then another man stood before you, he said “Remember the time,
A missionary came to your church, His pictures made you cry.
You didn’t have much money but you gave it anyway.
Jesus took that gift you gave
And that’s why I’m in Heaven today”
Chorus
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am so glad you gave.
One by one they came, far as your eyes could see.
Each life somehow touched by your generosity.
Little things that you had done, sacrifices that you made,
They were unnoticed on this earth
In Heaven now proclaimed.
Chorus
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am so glad you gave.
And I know up in Heaven you’re not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure there were tears in your eyes
As Jesus took your hand and you stood before the Lord
He said “My child look around you,
Great is your reward.”
Chorus
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am so glad you gave,
I am so glad you gave.
A Cowgirl Called 