When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder

One of my favorite albums of all time is My Mother's Hymn Book by Johnny Cash. Cash said toward the end of his life that, of the dozens of albums he has made, this one was his favorite. My Mother's Hymn Book has been a source of solace and encouragement for me ever since I purchased it a few years ago. All the songs on it are ones that he sang with his family as a boy growing up in the cotton field of Arkansas. These songs largely deal with the rewards that await in heaven.
Another reason I love this album, besides being a source of comfort, is that it reminds me of a Men's Quartet that would always sing those old hymns in the church that I grew up in. I can't say that I really enjoyed going to church during my formative years (I usually spent that time reading a book that I toted along) but my ears always perked up whenever these four men walked up into the choir loft to share their talents with the congregation. However, the biggest treat of all was when one particular member of the quartet would fly solo with the accompaniment of his trusty accordion. I have yet to meet another person who plays the accordion but this fella actually made it look like a cool instrument. He also got away with dance moves that would have been blaspemous in the CRC if exhibited by someone belonging to a younger generation.
As I sit and write this, the man in the above paragraph is lying in a hospital bed surrounded by family members who are awaiting the inevitable: the passing of a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. This man has lived a good, long life and has undoubtedly been a source of inspiration to all those who have had the good fortune of being in his company. He has always been someone I've looked up to and aspired to be like and the songs that he always sang for the congregation have added meaning at this point. The promises that this man sang about are now close at hand. It is understandably a time of mourning for his kin and for everyone else who knew him but the assurance that comes with the knowledge of the saving grace of Christ as well as the assurance of being reunited in heaven is something to be grateful for.
"And He walks with me and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known"