What's It All About?

My dad was born to a steel mill worker & a lifelong stay-at-home mom... born in a little white house perched on a small hill on a street lined with a dozen or two nearly identical homes. His dad walked to work carrying a homemade meal packed each morning by his wife... my grandma. Most weeks Grandpa worked 6 days. But, Sunday was always his day of rest... yet, up early with his wife & the 3 children for a big homemade breakfast before heading to church. 

My dad led a simple, conservative life, born & raised in that Ohio town. Most of his entertainment consisted of listening to the radio. Movies were taboo for his family. Music was how he learned of the world beyond his own. Although he remained conservative throughout his life... as a child... a student... a young man... and finally a husband, father & minister of the Gospel, he appreciated & learned from the culture around him.

I remember him referencing songs & books from his lifetime in his sermons - as I sat there in the front row with my mom & 2 sisters listening to his every word. For some reason tonight I thought about one of his sermons entitled, "What's It All About?" I wonder if it had anything to do with the song?

I'm thinking that while we are here on earth, we won't be able to answer that question about most situations we face. The words below were penned by Hal David & Burt Bacharach and give a haunting view of life & love. For me, life's answers often aren't clear... the road is frequently steep & winding... the "why's" are many. Yet, for me, my faith holds strong in the One who hung the stars in space, spoke music to life & loves each one of us like a long, long awaited child.

What's It All About... 


What's it all about, Alfie? Is it just for the moment we live?
What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie?
Are we meant to take more than we give or are we meant to be kind?
And if only fools are kind, Alfie, then I guess it's wise to be cruel.
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie, what will you lend on an old golden rule?
As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie,
I know there's something much more, something even non-believers can believe in.
I believe in love, Alfie. Without true love we just exist, Alfie.
Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie.
When you walk let your heart lead the way and you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie.

Sometimes... in the wee, small hours of the night... I weep over losses in my life. Tonight I say "Happy Birthday Dad! (12/8/27-10/20/02) Your love & your life helped me to answer the question... What's It All About?  ALWAYS, I know that our God is near.
 
"Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The LORD your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you."  Deuteronomy 31:6