I lost a good friend and mentor on Friday. We hadn't been in town long when we joined First Presbyterian. Mac, raised Baptist and I Lutheran, were visiting around until God let us know where we should be. It wasn't long after joining that I began to get gentle nudges from Randy, the director to join the choir for Wednesday night practice.
Through all of high school and most of college, music (singing) was my life. I studied privately, received music scholarships, even declared music as my major at one point. But, by this time, I had pretty much hung up the organized singing. With a new home, new job, and new baby keeping me busy I found it easy to initially decline Randy's offer. Quietly and gently, he kept nudging. It seems that he knew what God knew - you can't deny the components of your soul.
Over the next several years, Randy and his wife Judy became good friends to Mac and I and "surrogate" grandparents to our children. Their only child, Tommy had only recently married and they didn't have grandchildren of their own, yet. But, oh how they looked forward to it. We all thorougly enjoyed spending time with Randy and Judy - simple, loving, and delightful people.
A few years ago, Randy retired (for the second time - he had already retired from a long career of directing the high school chorus) and he and Judy were moved by God to join another church. Mac and I had already made a decision to make a change as well, but chose a different church. Over time, we began to lose close touch, but kept up to speed through mutual friends and occasional visits.
Within the last few years, Randy and Judy bought a new house, received the blessing of a grandchild, Judy's mother came to live with them, and Randy was diagnosed with cancer. We heard the news through friends as I was leaving to go on a week long trip for work. I said many prayers for Randy, Judy and their family over that week, and planned to visit - maybe have them over for dinner when I returned. I was too late.
Randy, however, was right on time. His life was a blessing and model to many. He was a kind, talented gentleman who dedicated his life to God, music and family. In his roll as friend, choir director, and man of faith, he was simply stated. He was able to see past the material world and focus on what is truly important. This is evidenced by one of his favorite pieces which he requested be sung by the choir at his funeral:
GIVE ME JESUS
When I am alone,
Oh, when I am alone.
Oh, when I am alone, give me Jesus
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
When I am alone
Give me Jesus
When I come to die
Oh, when I come to die
Oh, when I come to die, give me Jesus
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
You can have all this world,
But give me Jesus
So long dear friend, you are with Him now and all of heaven is filled with your music.
