I'll Fly Away

And so I shall, in just a few hours--to my family down in Florida, joined by my brother Steve and his wife Linda, from Norfolk. At least, that's where I plan to go (for a one-weekend mini-reunion), unless the Lord has other plans for me tomorrow morning. As much as I hope to return to Him someday, I hope that's not quite yet--I love my family too much, and this beautiful world too much, and there's still so much I need to say and do.

I HATE flying. Call me a wimp, a worrywart, a man of little faith. On top of all the aggravating (if necessary) security, the overcrowding, the delays, the cancellations, lost baggage, being marooned in strange places among stranger people, etc.--there's (for me) the constant reminder of my helplessness and mortality while suspended hundreds or thousands of feet in the air. Maybe I need that reminder, but it isn't pleasant. I always take God's Word with me on airplanes, and actually read it--and find great comfort in it.

So I will indeed fly away, but hopefully fly back here Monday afternoon. Till then, I'll be singing to myself that wonderful old gospel song I'll Fly Away--which has such a positive, joyful message about passing. Please share it with me! The version below is by the popular contemporary Christian group Jars of Clay--I couldn't find a good bluegrass rendition, which I prefer, but this one is clearly and compellingly sung, and has an uplifting video to go along (and the lyrics are set out below the video). God willing, I'll be back in a few days and we can all sing it together!

Some bright morning when this life is o'er, I'll fly away
To a land on God's celestial shore, I'll fly away

When the shadows of this life have gone, I'll fly away
Like a bird from these prison walls, I’ll fly, I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh glory, I'll fly away (in the morning)
When I die, hallelujah by and by, I'll fly away

Oh how glad and happy when we meet, I'll fly away
No more cold, iron shackles on my feet, I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh glory, I'll fly away
When I die, hallelujah by and by, I'll fly away

Just a few more weary days and then, I'll fly away
To a land where joy will never end, I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh glory, I'll fly away (oh glory)
When I die, hallelujah by and by, I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh glory, I'll fly away (oh glory)
When I die, hallelujay by and by, I'll fly away

I'll fly away.... I'll fly away..... I'll fly away