The wooden pews in the sanctuary and the grey stacking chairs in the overflow room were full. The crowd spanned several generations and many denominations and yet, as we rose to our feet to sing, we stood together as one body.

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light my strength my song

As the music swirled through the air, I looked up to the front of the church, so different from my own. No flashy lights or oversize television screens. Just a plain wooden pulpit and a large, rough-hewn cross.

My grandfather, a simple farmer, had helped make that cross. A reminder to all of grace.

As He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

Beneath the cross was a casket. My uncle. It was a home-coming of sorts, a sinner turned saint who has gone to meet his Savior.

No guilt in life no fear in death
This is the pow’r of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny

As we sang and as I looked at the cross, I could feel the Holy Spirit whisper His peace into my heart. So many worries. So many troubles. So much uncertainty in this life.

But Jesus commands our destiny.

My cousin Teresa got up and spoke beautiful words about her father: “He worked hard, loved harder, and walked confidently into glory.” And those words, too, burrowed their way deep into my heart.

And then 2 Corinthians 12:9. My grace is sufficient for you. Nothing more, nothing less. Just clear, beautiful grace.

‘Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the pow’r of Christ I’ll stand

Isn’t all of that what all of life should be about? To stand in the love of Christ with our eyes fixed on the cross and a song in our heart. To live covered by grace and for that to be enough. To work hard. To love harder.

And then, when all is said and done and we’ve accomplished all that God has for us to accomplish, to walk confidently into glory.