I wish I had a camera with me!

Have you ever had that moment? Something catches your eye; causes you to pause or to smile and you wish you could put it to film? I had that moment the other day. For what I saw was a reminder that we are to have "LIFE", life abundant!

First, let's go back a little in time. When I got to Park Avenue, the name of Margaret Fennel was on the "shut-in" list. Margaret lived by herself in her modest little apartment just a few blocks away from the church. Visits with her were always fun. We had great conversations about her family, friends, Park Avenue, her three sons, her deceased husband, the challenges of being by herself in her wheelchair, food, books, etc. But what drew me to her was her laughter. I honestly can't remember when she wasn't laughing. Here was a woman, confined to her home and yet, laughter made sure that t wasn't her prison.

The day came when Margaret couldn't be by herself. Her body was getting worn-out. So, it was time to consider a nursing home. She would go off to Falling Spring, a great choice, I thought. I knew some of the residents there and with Susie and Ellen working there, I had "spies." Margaret could make the transition. I was sure.

Some of you may remember. Margaret did not make the transition easily. She got ill several times in the first months there and each illness seemed to work on her spirit. I kept thinking that "this wasn't going to be good." The laughter was gone.

Then it happened. I would like to think that it was a combination of factors: She got healthier. She made friends. She settled in. AND (I believe this one to be true) the spirit of God whispered in her sound and said: "I have come to give you life, my child, and it is life abundant! Take the gift!"

Has she ever! The laughter has returned. She has found rooms full of new friends. The staff absolutely loves her. You should see her bowling on the Wii!

But, that was not why I needed a camera. Margaret now sings in a choir at the home. They all have matching red shirts and as they sing they hold up pictures. They sing some old favorites and they sing them well. And they were on tour this summer. They were a part of the entertainment at the Franklin Co. Fair. The picture I wish I could have taken was the one of Margaret singing. It was quite a sight.

There were two lessons to be learned in the moment: You are never too old to sing. There are no limitations to song and the joy it brings. And, thought number two, we are about to embrace that life, God's life, his abundant life. It gives us something to sing about, to laugh about, and hope for today.

Pastor Mark