Run Into His Arms

Dress Rehearsal for "The Amazing Grace Race"

Tonight is the big night...spring children's musical night, that is!  Our children's choirs are presenting "The Amazing Grace Race" this evening.  I always have mixed emotions at this point...I tend to grouch a bit about the stress involved, and look forward to having that BEHIND me, but there is also always an excitement about seeing how the hard work of the children, the directors, and others involved is going to come together.  I am definitely excited about what God is going to do through the powerful message of this musical.  This time I'm also a little sad...it's Bayley's last children's musical...just a few more weeks and she will move up into the youth department.  How in the world did THAT happen??

I know that this musical has a powerful message, because God has already used it to speak to me, in some big ways.  One of those ways has been through the final song on the program, David Clydesdale's arrangement of Twila Paris's "Runner" with "The Race".   I don't want to give anything away for those who will be attending tonight, but prepare for goosebumps. :)  And maybe bring a tissue.  It's a moving, powerful ending.  

I've mentioned in previous posts that the last few weeks have brought with them some unexpected and somewhat unexplainable struggles...struggles I feel like I shouldn't be dealing with during this relative period of calm in our lives.  Those struggles have brought with them some periods of intense discouragement.  For some reason, Wednesdays always seem to be the worst, in a whole slew of ways.  This song has been such an encouragement at the end of some very long and trying days.  I woke up this morning thinking about and praying for friends who are going through very real and difficult trials right now, and in the midst of that, this song kept running through my head.  I love these lyrics...(Be sure to listen to the video!)

RUNNER

Courier valiant, bearing the flame 

Messenger noble, sent in His name

Faster and harder, run through the night

Desperate relay, carry the light

Carry the light.

Runner when the road is long

Feel like giving in but you’re hanging on

Oh runner, when the race is won

You will run into his arms.

Obstacle ancient, chilling the way

Enemy wakened, stoking the fray

Still be determined, fearless and true

Lift high the standard, carry it through

Carry it through.

Mindful of many waiting to run

Destined to finish what you’ve begun

Millions before you cheering you on

Godspeed dear runner, carry it home

Carry it home.

Runner when the road is long

Feel like giving in but you’re hanging on

Oh runner, when the race is won

You will run into his arms.

~ Twila Paris and Starla Paris