05/21/2018
A tall slender man quietly makes his way down the aisle moving ever so slowly toward the choir stall. He gingerly ascends the step leading to his seat. You can sense his pain. Long gone are the days where he could quickly navigate the path toward his seat. He pauses to catch his breath scanning the beautiful sanctuary and the statue of Christ. In spite of his pain, he does not regard this as a chore or nuisance. This is his labor of love, love for the Lord. He slowly sits down at his seat adjusting the music stand and microphone. His motions are labored as he bends over to retrieve his guitar from its weathered and worn case. He handles his guitar with great care as if holding a Stradivarius. The guitar is precious to him because the music it expresses is love that originates from his heart. The sweet music of worship for his Lord.
He gazes out over the assembled congregation, occasionally nodding and waiving as people greet him from the pews. The service begins, as he quietly accompanies the organist on his guitar. The service progresses until the prayer of the people where the pastor invites the congregants to come to the altar to pray. The church is silent, concentrated on the prayer, then you hear the soft and sweet sounds of a harmonica playing Amazing Grace. The music pervades the church, and a sense of the sacred overcomes the congregation. An occasional sigh, or muffled cry can be heard as the music soothes and comforts. The prayer of the people ends, as the music fades away into the sacred stillness of this holy place. This unassuming, humble man takes no bows, nor does he seek recognition. He is there to love, praise and glorify the Lord.
RIP Rick Andersen
May the Lord welcome you home. We will miss you.