Rudy Wilson

From Rudy Wilson

“I stand amazed in the presence” is a phrase that immediately invokes a melody and how music ushers me into the presence of God. I learned many songs in my early preschool experiences and was influenced by other meaningful musical experiences that shaped me. I’m amazed how God shows himself when we really need Him most, and how I’ve seen and experienced His presence in my journey in life and career. I was blessed to have had thousands of students in band who influenced and inspired me by their talents and together experienced many wonderful musical moments. I’m appreciative of youth leaders who assured me that God can use even a budding musician, trombonist in many ways, and I should be challenged to share my talents with others, and God will bless your work.

Upon my visit to see my parents this November, my Dad had been admitted to the hospital to treat a possible infection and to deal with some circulation issues. On the family text, my brother said that interventions were being withdrawn. Most of my family were present, connecting through FaceTime, or were traveling to say goodbye. It was hard to believe that the time may be here after 98 years for him to “fly away.” On an earlier visit my Dad was singing the words of I’ll Fly Away as he wheeled himself out of the bathroom one day, seeming to say that I’m tired and will gladly fly away soon. As the choir sang that anthem, it was tough for me to sing the emotionally charged words without thinking of him.

As we played music for my dad, visiting with relatives and sharing many stories, we could sense his understanding and hearing in his sedated state, and we saw his effort to move when Mom wanted to give him the 3 goodbye kisses that they often shared when they were apart in rehab stints. Spending hours in his room and reflecting on his influence in our lives, several of us decided to leave and get some lunch when another shift of relatives arrived. As we were sitting around on the screen porch, we received a text from my brother that he may be taking his last breaths. I looked out at the trees near the lake and as the clouds parted, the orange and red leaves became fiery red. We all were amazed at the beauty of the fall colors at that moment. As the clouds moved back in front of the sun again, my niece, said “I think Papadoc is gone.” Seconds later my brother texted us saying that he had taken his last peaceful, breath.

When my Granddad passed away years before, my Dad said to all of us present that he needed to walk down the hill from their house to the trailer where Grandaddy lived to say, “goodbye to Pa.” I remembered that time, and felt that now it was my time to walk amongst the trees near the lake and say my goodbye as well. As I sat on a bench thinking of special moments with and of my Dad and saying my prayers of thanksgiving, I heard distant thunder of an approaching shower, and as I looked at the reflection on the water, rain drops broke the stillness and the hymn There Shall Be Showers of Blessing came to mind. After I broke the news to my brother in the house and as we came back to the porch, there were heavy showers coming down. We will always reflect on the showers of blessings that God shows us daily in our existence, and we will remember the memories of my Dad and always reflect on them as well as become more aware of God being a constant in all of our lives. He shows himself through the innocent faces of children, loved ones and friends we encounter daily. Hopefully we all may continually be made aware of and experience the many beautiful, meaningful signs of God’s presence in and around us. Listen; “Blessed be the day, Blessed be the day, Blessed be the day of the Lord.”

Gracious and faithful God, We stand amazed in Your presence, giving thanks for the many ways You reveal Yourself to us—through melody and memory, through creation and community, through moments of joy and moments of farewell. Today we lift our hearts in praise and thanksgiving. Amen