Grandpop's Cadillac of praise

Grandpop had a Cadillac, a huge monster of a whale made of steel and leather and smelling of peppermints. At today's gas prices it would be better used as a storage area for unused boxes of toys, books, old clothing and gardening equipment. In 1960's fuel-friendly environment it was a terrific and inexpensive method of entertainment.

Grandpop would pull up in the gleaming white whale and I would jump in the back seat next to my cousin. With Grandmom by his side, her hair pulled back in a crazy patterned scarf, the windows down and breeze blowing, off we'd go.

From my earliest memories, I remember that when my bottom hit the leather seat, my mouth would open up and music would pour out.

Grandpop didn't permit the playing of a radio when we were running along in his caddie. The only music was the music we made ourselves. Grandpop had a wonderful rich bass, a lovely tone. His was a voice that would have been a tremendous addition to any Gospel group. My cousin had a sweet soprano sound. Grandmom hummed along fairly tone death but still enjoying the buzz of the melody. I learned early on how to jump between the melody of a hymn to a high tenor, low alto, higher soprano. What a musical education I received as we headed for ice cream sodas or just a drive to enjoy God's paintings through the countryside.

Those old tunes stay with me today. I can recall lyrics to hundreds of hymns. Hymns written from great personal hardship, hurt and suffering. Hymns written as a joyous expression of the writer's love of Jesus Christ.

Victory in Jesus, my Savior forever...Grandpop's all time favorite hymn. Bringing in the sheaves, my Grandmother's constant request. No drive was ever complete until those hymns had been sung, every verse, chorus repeated, many times over. Even when there was personal family heartache, we would sing. Then our voices sometimes cracked with emotion, but singing brought peace and joy. And peace and joy brought singing.

The Psalms of Assent, sung on pilgrimage by the children of Israel. Traveling songs. I understand that concept. That's how we traveled - singing to God.

Psalms 126: 1 - 6 When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing; then said they among the heathen, The Lord had done great things for them. The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad. Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth, and weepeth - bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing bringing his sheaves with him. KJV

I am a new grandma; Baby Adam was born October 16, 2008.  I have already begun to sing with him the old hymns, the newer praise and worship melodies, teaching instinctively how to harmonize and hold a melody line. Whether Adam is tone deaf or the next American Idol, he will hear the voice of praise from my lips and heart. Psalms of Assent will be our radio as we travel God's road together, in my smaller car with cloth seats and gas-friendly engine.

Then will our mouth be filled with laughter and our tongues with singing - Hallelujah I have found Him, whom my soul so long has craved, Jesus satisfies my longings, through His blood I now am saved.

Ok, now let's all go for ice cream!