The next Sunday dawned cool and clear, with bright sunshine promising a warm afternoon. The Turner and Clarke families were exceptionally turned out, predictably ensconced in their usual pews at the All Saints family service. Shelagh's voice rose and, next to her, Patrick's anchored one of her favorite hymns:
Great is Thy faithfulness
Oh God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not
Thy compassions they fail not
As Thou hast been
Thou forever will be
The truth of the words touched her anew and she felt her spirit soar. Earlier, Hannah had rushed up to her on the church steps with the news that Emily's test results revealed she had not inherited their genetic disease. Shelagh hugged her tightly, sharing in her friend's joy and God's providence.
Pardon for sin
And a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer
And to guide
Strength for today
And bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside
Now the words of the old hymn reinforced the foundation of her faith as she confidently trusted God to guide them through the path of Angela's unknown health history as well as a new concern that had recently surfaced: how their family, and May herself, would cope with having to separate in several months time.
Summer and winter
And springtime and harvest
Sun, moon and stars
In their courses above
Join with all nature
In manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love
As Hannah glanced back and smiled, Shelagh thought of her own personal knowledge of the Lord's faithfulness, in their past trials and triumphs and the ones yet to come. She reached out to gently hug Angela and May to her side just as she saw Hannah place a hand on the head of each of her own beloved children. Leaning into Patrick, and Teddy who was in his arms, she caught Tim's eye where he sat at the piano, waiting for the organist to finish. As the morning light streamed through the stained glass window above the altar, Shelagh closed her eyes and thanked God for his steadfast love and care as she sang the hymn's final words of praise:
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness
Lord unto me
