Oh Happy Day!

I just love to listen to that song, "Oh Happy Day, when Jesus washed my sins away..." It sends chills down my spine thinking what it would have been like to have been there, and I get emotional thinking about he "washed my sins away" because I consider myself an extremely fortunate man.


It is because of what he did for and in me that I can stand here today and enjoy the benefits of a mended family. In March my youngest daughter will be married and it will complete the marriages of all my daughters and in the process I will get two more grandchildren. From being an only child there will now be a family of 27 with one on the way also in March. Yes, I do remember the birthdays, but each year it gets harder.


So great is the joy of having so many blessings that I am always singing that song "Oh Happy Day." When I checked into the hotel in Lakeland this week, the counter woman asked why I was always so happy, always in such a pleasant mood. Before I had a chance to answer, someone else started talking and the moment passed, but in my spirit I said, "because he washed my sins away". 


Let me tell you that where I was 31 years ago was at the bottom of that pit Joesph was in. I was in the mouth of that whale with Jonah.  I had one foot in hell and was on a serious downward fall. But people who cared about other people's souls helped me with an extended hand to lift me out of that pit and onto a rock of faith. They were fishers of men who weren't afraid of a whale and were all about forgiveness, love and grace. My family and I thank you for pulling me out of that downward slide.


When I think of where I could be and where I am, it is indeed a very happy day. When I think of how generations down the road will be affected by my u-turn in life, I feel like it's a very very happy day. And when I think of all of the folks in ATB who are helping others, making a difference in lives that were broken and lost,
it makes me want to sing, "Oh Happy Day......"


Why I don't let myself get in a bad mood or a bad place, is that what I got the day I was saved was good news. From here on out it is nothing but good news even if the day comes crashing down with bad things, I will still be singing because one day I will be singing with Peter, Paul & Mary (some of you oldtimers will get that).........and it will truly be a Happy Day!