Sunday, February 05, 2006
TAPS....AND REVEILLE
TAPS....AND REVEILLE
By Sally I. Kennedy
Feb 5, 2006
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command,
with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and
the dead in Christ will rise first . 1 Thessalonians 4:16
Taps....and Reveille
The tiny chapel was packed with people there to pay their respects.
Even the old, squishy sofa in the back, along with the 2 funeral home
wing backs, were filled. Dripping umbrellas were scattered about the
floor. Outside the clouds kept steadily weeping. But inside the glow
from the lights was soft, the rose drapery soothing, the flowers
beautiful, and peaceful.
There were hugs and smiles, and tears. Whispered greetings were
exchanged . A hush fell, and the memorial was underway. Two young men,
in starched white uniforms, marched in silently. With a precise 90
degree turn, they faced forward, stock still, like statues.
Many, from all stages in the deceased man's life, shared. The music
and scriptures were comforting. It seemed a kind, gentleness pervaded
the atmosphere as we came together to celebrate the life of our friend,
neighbor, father, brother, grandfather.
The service was drawing to a close. One of the Honor Guard came
forward, precisely turning. Just before he began the flag-folding
ritual, honoring the deceased for serving our country, the other put
his trumpet to his lips.
Taps broke into my solitude. Reverence overtook and engulfed me. As
the haunting melodious strains of Taps rose and fell, my heart went
out, somewhere....heavenward, toward my Creator.
At that moment, the picture came to my mind of our friend, now with the
Lord. A vision of a clear, bright morning in heaven, and Reveille
being played.
Taps, a military signal to turn the lights out. Reveille, a bugle call
at sunrise. One here, one there.
That is good news.
PRAYER
"Lord, stir my zeal for your righteousness and for your kingdom.
Free me from complacency and from compromising with the ways of sin
and worldliness that I may be wholeheartedly devoted to you and to
your kingdom."
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