The Bell Tolls

Photo @ Hugo VT

Last sunday the wife of the founding pastor of one of the churches where I regularly play passed away. Last night they held a service for her. In a smaller building across the incredibly packed parking lot we were practicing for tonight's Maundy Thursday service at the church. As we started a song the church bells started ringing in a final tribute to Mrs. DeKruyter. I sat there playing the song but at the same time taking it all in. The gentle strumming of the guitars, the rhythmic beating of my ride cymbal interspersed with the melodic ringing of the church bells while the vocals softly sang:

You have redeemed my soul
From the pit of emptiness
You have redeemed my soul
From Death

Those words rang more true with every beat of that bell. It gave me a big sense of peace. Even though we weren't involved in the memorial service, I couldn't help but think about the family and my family and any other family that has gone through the passing of a loved one. The timing was perfect, the overall sound produced was a calming wave that filled the room. What a powerful moment. What a beautiful tribute.