Yesterday I Could Sing

As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. – 2 Timothy 4:6-7

A Song from our memories

Three beautiful young women, gifted beyond measure, shared in ministry to others. Audiences applauded their talent and their enthusiasm emptied in every performance for those who delighted by their singing.

Now, many years later, the melody resonates only in our memory and their captivating smiles live only in our hearts. But once they were young and beautiful, dancing and singing with vibrancy and grace.

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Death is bitter-sweet, really. It always comes as a shock.. sometimes unexpectedly, yet often slowly.

She was radiant as a young woman and as vivacious as any young woman beaming to the applause of audiences and generous accolades of friends. How we all remember her, that beautiful woman with the uplifting voice. A melody of her joy still resonates in my heart.

But that was many years ago. Now the expected silence draws nearer with the drawing of each breath. Her long-trapped soul lies restless in a shell no longer like the glory of her true countenance. And worst of all the melody of hope no longer fills the room or even whispers a pianissimo motif to into the plaintive silence of loved ones all about her.

I see us from memories of a now-distant past. As they close their eyes together all see her present memory of the glory of youth. They hear her joy of the carefree song – the melodies of love, the outpouring of her gifts. This audience immersed behind closed eyes and long-forgotten memories hear her sing – they hear her sing!

These divas of days past, no different now. For each the moment does finally come when only their soul cries out, as dry lips do fail: “Yesterday, I could sing… yesterday, I could sing…”