Friday, October 27, 2006

 

TAPS AND REVEILLE

F O O D F O R T H O U G H T
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TAPS AND REVEILLE
Contributed by Sally I. Kennedy
Oct 27, 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


The tiny chapel was packed with people who were there to pay their
respects. Even the old, squishy sofa in the back, along with the two
funeral home wing back chairs, 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, and the beautiful flowers looked 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 silence. With a precise
90-degree turn, they faced forward, stock still, like statues.


Many people from all stages of John's life, shared words of
remembrance. The music and scriptures were comforting. A kind
gentleness pervaded the atmosphere as we came together to celebrate
the life of our friend, neighbor, father, brother, and grandfather.


The service was drawing to a close. A member 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
Guardsman 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
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, with
Reveill 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, you satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts and you feed us with the finest of wheat (Ps 81:16). Fill me with gratitude and give me a generous heart that I may freely share with others what you have given to



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