By JANET HART LEONARD
From the Hart
I love your voice
You have led me through the fire
In the darkest night
You are close like no other
I’ve known you as a Father
I’ve known you as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God.
(Bethel Music)
There is just something about a worship song that is a balm to my weary soul.
On Wednesday evening, as I sat in the ninth pew of the Anderson First Church of the Nazarene, I heard music my soul needed to hear.
When the song “The Goodness of God” was sung, I admit … the tears fell. That song has hugged my heart since the first time I heard it.
Why?
Because I know the goodness of God.
It was a wait of 58 years to find the love of my life. Many mornings, my husband, Chuck, fixes my coffee with just the right amount of sweet cream. I watch as he goes out to the birdfeeders. He fills them with birdseed so I can sit at our kitchen table and watch the redbirds come and greet us. He knows how I like my coffee and he knows my love of redbirds. He also knows if he doesn’t go out there, I will … in my pajamas.
We go for our Sunday afternoon drives. I rest my hand on the gearshift. He gently places his hand on mine. Without any words being said … I know I am loved.
I never want to be so busy that I fail to see the goodness of God.
I never want to take for granted the love Chuck and I share. It’s in the simple moments and in the small gestures where love is found. It’s not ever hiding; it’s just taking the time to see it … and appreciate it.
Chuck knows my love language is words of affirmation. I tell him, “Forget giving me the fancy gifts. Just tell me I make the best homemade chocolate pie. Tell me I don’t look 66. Tell me you appreciate how I fold the laundry.”
Chuck has learned to appreciate the words I make up when I tell a story. He says, “Honey, you know that’s not a word.” I wink at him and say, “Well, it is now.” Then we laugh. Oh, the blessing of laughter.
Life is hard, but it is softer when you have someone to share the burdens, hurts, and disappointments. The moments of celebration are sweeter when you have someone to celebrate with. Even vintage people like us know how to “high five” each other.
Often, while cruising the back roads of Hamilton County, we listen to the music of the 70s. You know, when music was listenable. (I know, it’s not a word.) A sweet love song comes on. I know the words. Chuck knows the words. But most of all … we know the love. It’s not just our voices that sing, but our hearts. We look at each other and say, “Have I told you lately?”
All this is so schmaltzy, but it is how I write. It is who I am. Just an older lady who has been through enough stuff to appreciate all the goodness in my life.
It was nine years ago this week, while sitting in the waiting room where I worked, that Chuck asked me, “If you’re not seeing anyone, would you want to go to lunch?” I sure am glad he asked that question. I’m even more glad that I said, “Yes.” I sure “waited” a long time for him.
And yes, as the words in the song “The Goodness of God” say …
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God.
Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). Visit janethartleonard.com.