A little family history is in order here. David's grandparents (and great grandparents) on his mother's side were missionaries in China for more years than I've been alive. They had a tradition on Sundays to sing the mealtime prayer as one of the ways they set Sunday apart from the rest of the week. It is a variation on the lyrics written by John Cennick, and it isn't set to Old Hundredth, as the hymn is commonly sung. I wish I could find the score to share. (anyone have a link? a scan?) The words go like this:
Be present at our table, Lord.
Be here and everywhere adored.
These mercies blessed
And grant that we
May feast in Paradise with thee.
Anyhow, this song has been sung in the family for at least 4 generations now, and there was quite a representation of 3 of these generations gathered to celebrate Hannah's graduation (see previous post.) It was chilling and glorious to hear such a large group of people, all from one family, from the over 70 crowd to the under 7 crowd singing a prayer that is so laden with memories and tradition. To see the tears of joy in my mother- and uncles-in-law's eyes as they watched our youngest children share in this was beyond anything I can describe. I look forward to seeing the day that my grandchildren share in this tradition and to the day that I join the company of Heaven to see my grandparents-in-law rejoicing in the same.
1 comment:
It was one of the most special moments of the weekend! Thanks for writing about it! Love the goats!
Anne
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