Where is the strangest place you have cried? Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons might have once sung, “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” but I don’t buy that. Big girls, and big boys for that matter, do cry. Last night I cried and in of all places a honky tonky. Now I don’t mean a breakdown, two boxes of Kleenex, get control of yourself, type cry. But yes, I cried.
Many Monday nights find me at a place here in Nashville called the Station Inn. On Monday nights Carl Jackson and his group play. Most of you are not familiar with Jackson but he is a most talented musician. For twelve years he was Glen Campbell’s musical director. Pretty strong credentials one would have to say. He and his group are very gifted. Many evenings Campbell’s young daughter Ashley will come by and sit in with the band for a few numbers. One of those evenings a few weeks back I sat and talked with her. What a treat.
In the soundtrack of a Robert Duvall, (one of my all time favorite actors), movie, "The Apostle," there is a song entitled, "Waitin' On The Far Side Banks of Jordan." I have come to love that song. I don’t know when the lyrics to a song have been more vivid for me in recent times than the lyrics to that song. The jist of the song is a loved one has passed on and is now in glory, heaven. The love and the bond between this deceased and others is so strong that while in glory they describe what they will be doing. Not only what they will be doing but how they will be looking and anticipating the coming of others. I don’t know what the belief each of you might have about life after death or the thought of eternal life. My purpose here is not to preach to anyone. But for me personally the lyrics are a beautiful thought. It so vividly presents a picture about another waiting and what they will do when they see others they love coming.
Carl Jackson generally closes each of his shows with a hymn. His closing words last night acknowleded that his mother had since passed away, “Mother this song is for you, it says it all.” He closed with this song.
I believe my steps are growing wearier each day
Still I've got a journey on my mind
Lures of this old world have ceased to make me want to stay
and my one regret is leaving you behind
If it proves to be his will that I'm the first to go
And some how I've a feeling it will be
When it comes time to travel likewise don't feel lost
For I will be the first one that you'll see
And I'll be waiting on the far side banks of Jordan
I'll be waiting drawing pictures in the sand
And when I see you coming I will rise up with a shout!
And come running through the shallow waters reaching for your hand.
You understand why one might, cry? How about you? Can you imagine someone drawing pictures in the sand, waiting and shouting when they see you and then come running and reaching for your hand?
September 24, 2013
Keep on,
Larry Adamson