True riches

How rich the treasures I received
On father’s knees and mother’s arms,
Where worldly cares are not perceived
And ears are deaf to vain alarms.

Oh sweet, sweet bliss of childhood days,
When Christ was preached by word and deed,
When Scripture guided all our ways
And God supplied our every need!

True riches these, that brighter grow
And far outshine world’s choicest gold!
Please help me, Lord, to always show
That fear of God grows never old!

26/07/07
© W. J. Watterson

Grandma Watterson

Written 29 years ago, after Grandma died.

I dreamt that heaven’s hosts were singing
In a different, special way;
Every voice in rapture ringing
In a different, special way.

I stopped to hear, and wondered why
Their song seemed sweeter, more sublime;
And then I saw a soul draw nigh
And bow before the Lord of Time.

I saw my grandma place her crown
Before His feet in humble praise;
I saw His pierced hand reach down,
And heaven hushed beneath His gaze.

Her praise was silent, pure and fervent,
As I heard Him gently say:
“Well done, good and faithful servant”.
Then I saw Him turn my way.

“Would you rather take her back”, He said,
“To face the pains and tears of life?
Dry your tears, My son, and think instead
Of all the joys of her new life”.

I awoke, then, and understood
That she is resting now in peace.
Oh Lord! Hasten, please, the glorious day
When all these partings shall have ceased.

(1990)
© W. J. Watterson

Grandma Maxwell

Written over 30 years ago, after Grandma died.

Oh Lord, how happy Thou must be
To have her now so close to Thee;
To see her bow before Thy throne
And give Thee fruits of all she’s sown.

Oh Lord, how happy she must be
To know Thee in Thy majesty,
To praise Thy name with rapturous song,
A special voice amidst that throng.

Oh Lord, how happy we should be
To see her leave, but not to flee;
We know she’s waiting for that day
When Thou shalt bring us home to stay.

Oh Lord, how happy then we’ll be,
United with herself and Thee;
We long to praise Thy name so blest,
 And join her in her blissful rest.

(19/12/88)
© W. J. Watterson

Whose faith follow — Ronnie Watterson

A tribute to Ronnie Watterson (21st November 1935 — 30th May 2016)

In 2008, on furlough (more photos at end of post)

In January of 2017 I was over in N. Ireland with my family for a few weeks, and the brethren from the Assembly that meets at Cambridge Avenue, Ballymena, asked me to speak about some aspects of the life of my father. They separated one of their Saturday night meetings, mainly aimed at young people, for that purpose, and suggested the title: “Whose faith follow ...”

Wedding — Lorena and Renan

On the 11th of July, Elen and I gave away our eldest daughter Lorena in marriage to Renan. Both are believers in fellowship in the assembly here in Pirassununga, and we pray that they may live for the glory of God. Some photos of the wedding: