By David Baker - Associate Pastor of Music Ministries
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31) "I have set the Lord of continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." (Psalm 16:8)
Several years ago, I was called to be a "foreign missionary" in Houston, TX. During my time of ministry there, I was able to develop a wonderful relationship with Joe and David, Ministers of Music at nearby churches. We combined our adult and handbell choirs for a couple of Christmases and were looking forward to a third such celebration. We got together monthly to rehearse, worship, fellowship, and just enjoy the unity we shared in Christ. With music and ministry, we worked for a common goal of sharing the Christmas story with our respective congregations, it was such a blessing.
And then, the unimaginable happened. David and his family were driving back to Houston after a time away with extended family in their home state of Arkansas. On a rain-slick highway just outside of Texarkana, a car driving the opposite way began to hydroplane on a curve. David swerved to his right to try to dodge the oncoming, out of control car, but that action put his door directly in its path. He took the brunt of the collision, protecting his family, but it cost him his life.
As we gathered together to celebrate him and the Lord he served, we discovered that the hymn, "Be Thou My Vision," had served as his life and ministry focus. I had known this hymn for a good while, but never as I recognized it on this day:
"Be Thou my vision O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me Save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought by day or by night;
Waking or sleeping Thy presence my light."*
We're not promised tomorrow, or the next day, or next year. May we focus on the things that are eternal and keep our eyes always on the face of our Savior.
"Lord, may Your face be ever before me as I live my life to Your glory. And may I realize that it's the things that last forever that need to have my primary attention. May this hymn resonate in my life for as long as You grant me breath."
Prai-"sing" Him!
David
*Be Thou My Vision - Elanor Henrietta Hull, Mary Elizabeth Byrne