Let’s be up front about this. Many of you will no doubt think me a little strange. But yes, I do enjoy a stroll through a quiet cemetery. I always have. There’s a sense of peacefulness and tranquility, a time to reflect on life and the lives of those who came before us.

You see, my old hometown was also the home of my family for all their generations in America. The cemetery is filled with memories of those I knew and loved, and of those who came before them.

In this serene setting – looking and remembering – I am reminded of that wonderful old hymn, “When the roll is called up yonder.”  The hymn, written by James Milton Black in 1893, concludes with this refrain:”

     “Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun,
     Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care;
     Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,
     And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.”

On our summer travels, I do appreciate family reunions. I enjoy the “gathering of the clan” whenever and wherever that is possible for us. But somehow I think our numbers pale before the multitude already gathered for our family reunion “up yonder.”

For that sweet assurance, I can only thank our precious Lord Jesus – thank Him for that unconditional love with which He blessed my family, blesses me, and yes blesses YOU!

Judy