Crossing the Bar

Sunset and evening star,

And one clear call for me!

And may there be no moaning of the bar,

When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,

Too full for sound and foam,

When that which drew from out the boundless deep

Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,

And after that the dark!

And may there be no sadness of farewell,

When I embark;

For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place

The flood may bear me far,

I hope to see my Pilot face to face

When I have crost the bar.

—Alfred Lord Tennyson

I graduated from a small Bible college in Birmingham, AL. My major was Pre-Seminary. I loved my education there, even though I didn't think I would. I kicked against the goads to avoid going to that school, but my heart was turned in the end. And, I've never regretted it! I learned so much—both in and out of the classroom. That was many years ago, now.

So, I'm grieving today (along with many, many others) over the death of our beloved English professor, who passed away suddenly last week. Our hearts are broken! But, we also know that he is rejoicing today—rejoicing to be in the arms of the Savior he so dearly loved. So, we have mixed emotions. We are so happy to know that he is no longer a part of this broken world, but we are sad to have to give him up for ourselves.

Dr. Greene was one of the kindest people I've known (he would laugh to know that I debated over saying "most kind," "kindest," or "most kindest"). He was truly kind . . . to everyone. He loved fun, music, literature, Jesus, and his students.

When I heard about his passing, I was shocked, emotional, and very sad. But, then I started celebrating his life and the fact that he was able to leave this world so peacefully, and wake up in the next. I also went through my Facebook profile, looking for anything he might have said to me in the prior months. There were a few things he said, but one that really means the most: "I'm very proud of you. . . ."

Dr. Greene, I've no doubt you are reveling at seeing your "Pilot face-to-face." We'll all miss you terribly, but can't wait to see you again once we have also "crost the bar."

Please keep the Greene family in your prayers as they grieve the loss of their husband and father.

Anyways . . .