It’s been almost three weeks since we received that early morning call informing us that our sixth grandchild would be born in a day or so. If this call had come three months later, on the actual due date, there would have been a much greater measure of excitement. Fifteen weeks early and a five and a half month pregnancy filled with complications, this call brought feeling of concern and hesitancy.
When the announcement that Emery Rain Ford had come into the world a whole one pound eleven ounces, wiggling and trying to breathe on her own, a melody began to be repeated in my thoughts; this melody belonged to a song I recall my husband singing many times. Although the melody was clear, I could only recall the first line; Sometimes the light surprises.
Upon my request, Jeff packed the songbook and brought it on his next visit. With songbook in hand, I had the joy of reading through the words:
Sometimes a light surprises the Christian while he sings;
It is the Lord who rises with healing in His wings.
When comforts are declining, He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining, to cheer it after rain.
In holy contemplation we sweetly then pursue
The theme of God’s salvation, and find it ever new;
Set free from present sorrow, we cheerfully can say,
Let the un-known tomorrow bring with it what it may.
It can bring it nothing but He will bear us through;
Who gives the lilies clothing will clothe His people too;
Beneath the spreading heavens, No creature but is fed;
And He who feeds the ravens will give His children bread.
Though vine nor fig tree neither, their wonted fruit should bear,
Though all the field should wither, nor flocks nor herds be there;
Yet God the same a biding, His praise shall tune my voice,
For while in Him confiding, I cannot but rejoice!
~william cowper
Enough said.