For April 1st:

Happy Easter Monday!

“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” 

Psalm 69:30 NIV

My beloved grandfather was struck with Alzheimer’s when I was in my mid-twenties. One day, when my mother and I visited him in the hospital, he didn’t recognize either of us, but we sat and talked with him anyway. I took his hand, and even though his mind drifted away, his grip remained strong.

Then he turned to me and began singing softly, ‘I serve a risen savior, he’s in the world today. “ He grew up in the Methodist church, and that’s an old hymn. He continued,  “I know that he is living, whatever foes may say.” I glanced at my mom in wonder. “He’s back in church,” she whispered to me. “I see his hand of mercy, I hear his voice of cheer.”

I wondered how many times he had sung that hymn in his life, how many services, how many revivals, how many times on his own he had whistled that tune as he went about his chores.

“And just the time I need him, he’s always near.”

His grip tightened on my hand and he turned his head towards me. “He lives, he lives, Christ Jesus lives today.” Then his voice trailed away.

I picked up the chorus. “He walks with me and talks with me, along life’s narrow way.” His eyes brightened, and he continued, right where I left off. “He lives, He lives, salvation to impart.” I sang, “You ask me how I know he lives….”

He finished it off, “He lives within my heart!” Then he grinned his rascally grin at me. I glanced at my mom again, whose face was bathed in tears, like mine.  What a blessing that day was to me, to connect with my grandfather, locked away somewhere in his own mind, through song. To this day, I can’t sing that song without sweet tears in my eyes.

Whatever style or tradition of music touches us, we can praise God in a mighty way through song, either in a community setting or an intimate whisper. Take some time today to enjoy one of your favorite faith songs and to praise God through it.

Stephanie Pearson

The printed version of the April edition of The Living a Life of Gratitude Daily Devotional is available at the information desks. Be sure to pick up a copy for yourself and a friend.