A couple of Sundays ago we sang a song in church that had me in tears almost immediately. The words are below.

As ek in die aand na die sterre kyk
Of die geure van die blomme ruik
As ek sien hoe al U berge ly
Dis wonderlik voorwaar
As die winde deur die bome suis
Of as donderweer U krag bewys
As ek in my voel hoe lewe bruis
Dis wonderlik voorwaar

As ek sien hoe U met mense werk
Met U liefde sonder maat of perk
As ek voel hoe U my lewe versterk
Dan weet ek U is meer as bloot
Maar net ‘n Heer wat
Ver daar bo in die wolke troon
U’s die Heer wat altyd in my woon
Daarom voel my hele lewe skoon
U’s wonderlik voorwaar

As die branders op die rotes breek
Of ‘n blom verkwik ons met sy reuk
Is U baie meer as net ’n preek
U’s wonderlik voorwaar
Daar is niks o Heer vir U te klein
Want U sorg ook vir ‘n blaartjie fyn
En U bloed maak menseharte rein
U’s wonderlik voorwaar

While this is a song of praise to our God that is so wonderful, and close and awesome and loving, I was sad because I hadn’t heard it in so many years, and it reminded me of a time when things were so much different than they are today.

When I was in school and university, I went on many Christian youth camps where we sang this song often. In those days things were so “easy”. All I had to worry about was doing well in school, passing exams at university, and enjoying life. I had no serious responsibilities. No job, no bond, no financial responsibilities, no parental responsibilities. Yet. 15, 20 years later things were rather different. I have a job that I have to keep because it pays a salary that pays bills. I am a mom and have the huge responsibility of raising a child. I live in a time where there is worldwide pressure on the economy.

And singing the song I was sad because I missed those simple times. But immediately I was reminded that I don’t have to worry to much. Because I have the love of a God that gives me strength to cope with any responsibilities and stresses. And even though things may be tough and uncertain sometimes, I can give it all to God to carry. And knowing that made me even more sad, but this time a happy sad. Life has responsibilities. Lots of them. Life has some really though days. Lots of them. But never ever do we have to cope with anything alone. Because God is there right next to us, and carries and supports us every time we need Him. Always.

I am so glad I went to church that day.