Abide with Me

Although the 198th Day was a Saturday, we started it off at Church.  Because, on 7/16/16, we celebrated the life of Peter Brigham.  Peter was a wonderful man and I certainly knew that before this morning's service.  But, as people shared their love for and remembrances of Peter, my awareness of his wonderfulness just grew and grew!  Peter was a Yale Man and he and I often discussed the Ivy League, and Ivy League athletics.  Peter was an amazing musician, playing Clarinet in Church often and I miss him standing next to me in Choir singing tenor, as I sing bass.  But, the everlasting gift Peter gave to me is the confidence to serve as the Lector and read Scripture at Old First.  After my first time reading, during which you could tell I was quite nervous, Peter took me aside and gave me advice.  Advice I have never forgotten!  Every time I stand in front of the Congregation and read Bible verses (and, frankly, even when I speak at events at work sometimes), I always have the wise and sage advice of Peter speaking to me.  So, in a way, Peter has left this Earth, physically, but he will remain with me all the days of my life.  We sang this hymn today at his service.  And, since tomorrow is my anniversary and I have other plans for the song of the day, the Hymn of the Week (song of today) is the hymn, "Abide with Me."  When I Googled the hymn, I found that it was written by Henry Francis Lyte, as he laid in his bed, dying from TB.  That Lyte was able to create such a beautiful work, as his body was failing his, makes me think of Peter and all of the stories of how he was himself, mentally and spiritually, to the very end, even when HIS body was failing him.  To add to my thoughts about this hymn, I would like to end with the last two lines of its 2nd verse, which are quite appropriate given the times in which we are living these days.

"Change and decay in all around I see;
  O Thou who changest not, abide with me"

Peter's advice and my love and memories of him will abide with me forever.  Rest in Peace, my friend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmjuqZSH_aY