It was great to bless the backpacks on Sunday and say a prayer over students and teachers going back to start a new year of school. It was also a wonderful time to recognize and the member and friends of the congregation that are 90 + years of age.
To celebrate both children and seniors on a single Sunday reminded me of the hymn “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry” found in The Faith We Sing, #2051. Since I have little more to add to the richness of the words, I will provide them to you here:
- I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.
- I was there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well;
In a blaze of light you wandered off to find where demons dwell.
- When you heard the wonder of the Word I was there to cheer you on;
You were raised to praise the living Lord, to whom you now belong.
- If you find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one,
I’ll be there to make your verses rhyme from dusk ‘till rising sun.
- In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young,
I’ll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I’ve begun.
- When the evening gently closes in, and you shut your weary eyes,
I’ll be there as I have always been with just one more surprise.
- I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.
God is with us in all the unfolding moments of our life. There to love us, to rejoice over us, to hold us and to provide for us. God is great all the time.
Grace and peace,
Steve Larsen