Showers Of Blessing!

Showers Of Blessing!

“Showers of blessing, showers of blessing we need, mercy drops ‘round us are falling, but for the showers we plead.” So are the lyrics of the 1883 hymn, “Showers of Blessing” by Daniel Whittle and James McGranahan.

Well, we are experiencing showers of blessing at the Blackwood house! My wife and I have nine children between us, five of which, all girls, are married to our sons-in-law. Within the last month we have added TWO grandsons to our numbers! First, on August 14th was Jackson Dunn, born to Will and Noel, and then on the 25th, Wrigley Cutler born to Sonny and Britni. And we have a granddaughter, Emily Hamrick, turning one year old on September 20th. So, our house is about to get very busy!

For those of you who are grandparents, I can almost see the smile on your face as you think about all that awaits us. I’ve always heard that being a grandparent is even better then being a parent and I’ve not imagined how that could be possible. I have loved every minute (well, almost every minute) of being a parent. I wonder if one of the reasons grand-parenting is better is because grandchildren, unlike our children who, upon finding out we are imperfect, rebel against us, always think we’re wonderful and we never lose that exalted status in their eyes. Whatever the reason, we’re ready for the next season of life called grand-parenting.

Here is a picture of me holding Wrigley for the first time. Ah, sweet bliss!

What an opportunity we as grandparents have to influence a generation. We have carte blanche to pour love and affirmation into the lives of these little ones who will one day have need of all that love and affirmation. (Which of us has have turned down more love and affirmation?)

On a somber note, I have just learned of the passing of Edward Lamar (Bill) Shaw, tenor singer for The Blackwood Brothers from 1952 – 1973, and famous for his versatility which allowed him to sing everything from “I Can’t Stand Up Alone” to The Holy City”, and included his own compositions, “Pablo” and “I’m Thankful.” It’s ironic that Bill’s passing comes just eleven days after the passing of piano great, Jack Marshall, who played for the group from 1949-1959. Jack is still considered by many to be the greatest gospel pianist of all time. Bill will certainly be remembered as one of the great tenors of all time.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Marshall and Shaw families.