As I sat where I was listening to the eulogies, I asked myself, what a person be most remembered for? For Pastor Derek Tan, he will always be remembered for his kindness and graciousness, beyond all that he has accomplished, a man like him will always be remembered by how he has treated others. No hint of ranks lurks each time I sit in his room after a semester ends to discuss which courses I should be taking for the next semester. He would talk to me like how would talk to a friend. I will always remember his reassuring smile and his fatherly disposition.
Here is a man who has ran the race and finished it. It's not how long we lived but how well we lived. Cliche but true. At age 54, it seems that it is only the beginning of enjoying good things but God had decided that he has finished what he was tasked and God is taking him home.
The hymn below is Pastor Derek favourite hymn. I went to do a search and realized that George A Young, composer of this hymn has a story to tell:
"Young was an obscure 19th Century preacher and carpenter who spent a lifetime humbly serving the Lord in small rural communities. Often his financial support was small, and it was hard on his family. But through all the ups and downs his faithful wife never wavered in her loyalty to God and to her husband. After a long struggle, the family was able to move into their own small home (which George built himself). But then, on an occasion when George was away preaching, some local thugs—who didn’t like his Gospel preaching—set fire to the house, and it was totally destroyed. It was out of that experience that Young reaffirmed his faith in God by writing God Leads Us Along."
God Leads Us Along
In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,
God leads His dear children along;
Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet,
God leads His dear children along.
Refrain
Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long.
Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright,
God leads His dear children along;
Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night,
God leads His dear children along.
Refrain
Though sorrows befall us and evils oppose,
God leads His dear children along;
Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes,
God leads His dear children along.
Refrain
Away from the mire, and away from the clay,
God leads His dear children along;
Away up in glory, eternity’s day,
God leads His dear children along.
Refrain
This was probably the only hymn he wrote, yet it reflected the reality of life and faith, of God's leading and of not always having a smooth ride despite his leading.
Comments
pain was not part of God's design, it became part of God's design after man/woman fell in the garden of eden. theologically speaking...
But then, in terms of the usual span of time we'll be spending on this earth, we are not even half-way through... =)
But then again, you've a 7yrs head start so I might get a chance. =)
I hope they will be good things and true things - what you'll say about me.
actually as we age, 7 years of difference is nothing :)
And yes, 7 yrs dissipate with age but then, I may have 7 more years on this earth if God allows it! =)