Reflecting on special hymns for special people

God was gracious and granted me four wonderful parents. My own biological parents who did their best to raise me, and my farmer’s parents who did a fantastic job raising him.

This is the first year that I didn’t have a parent to purchase a Mother’s Day or Father’s Day card for. It is strange feeling. This year these two days on the calendar are flooding my mind with plenty of memories. It’s a good thing that my allergies are acting up as they provide me with a great excuse for needed tissues.

From My Farmhouse Kitchen

By Renae B. Vander Schaaf

May is an extremely busy time on the farm, so my Mother’s Day cards didn’t always get done on time. Sometimes I was so late, the stores had removed the Mother’s Day cards from their displays. Then I had to make cards. A challenge indeed, because it was impossible to put into words what I meant. The store-bought cards could better explain my sentiments.

Last year, I was late with mom’s card; but I sure am glad that a card and letter were sent to her before she left on vacation to see her new greatgrandson.

It was at this time that my mom began her last month of life on this earth.

She called me as she was preparing leave on a vacation. She wanted to know who to vote for, so she could absentee vote before leaving. We talked a bit about things, then she said, “I’m getting too old to go on trips anymore.”

One of the last things she did before leaving the house was to have her great-granddaughters put a clean table cloth on the kitchen table. She almost always did this before leaving. This table cloth was a favorite of hers. It had colorful chickens in the fabric print.

“Because,” she would say. “It will look so cheery and welcoming when we get home. Or if I don’t make it back, then it will look nice for whoever comes in.”

My sister, two aunts and my mom left on vacation as they had done many times before. They made it safely to Kentucky, but my mom soon fell. She needed stitches in her knee and was taken to the emergency room. When the doctor noticed her difficulty in breathing he admitted her for observation. Several weeks later, she was in the arms of her Savior whom she loved so much.

One of the hymns she had chosen for her funeral was Day By Day. The words to this hymn were definitely how she lived her life and echo the advice that she would often give to us. It was written in 1865 by Karolina W. Sandell-Berg. Day by day, and with each passing moment, Strength I find, to meet my trials here; Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, I’ve no cause for worry or for fear…

I hadn’t sung this hymn for a long time, so was very thankful for the reminder at mom’s funeral. Several months later, one of my granddaughters was visiting us. She went to church with us that morning and we sang Day By Day. As we left, she said that we had sung this hymn at great-grandma’s funeral.

The comment from this soon to be nine-year-old granddaughter made me realize the hymns we enjoy singing while working in the kitchen tell something about us and others might associate with us.

I remembered some of the hymns my parents had chosen for their funerals.

My dad’s, of course, was “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.” It was the hymn we walked in to his funeral as a family. Not a one of us can ever hear that hymn and not think of him.

It was his request to have all his chil dren, grandchildren, and great grand children provide the special music at the country church he loved. Some of us (me) do not possess much musical talent (if any) yet it was good to raise our voices together and sing “I have blessed peace within.” My parents prayed that all their descendants would be able to claim blessed peace.

My farmer’s father was the first to arrive at Heaven’s Gate in 2015. He had planned his funeral with great detail which made things a whole lot easier for us all.

One of the hymns he chose was one I have often caught myself humming, “Jesus Paid It All.” But that isn’t the one that reminds me of him. Rather the congregational hymn sung at his funeral, could have been written by him, as he was firm in his faith and always ready to share the gospel with anyone he met.

My faith has found a resting place, Not in device or creed;

I trust the ever-living One, His wounds for me shall plead.

I need no other argument, I need no other plea,

It is enough that Jesus died, And that He died for me.

An interesting note: our fathers’ hymns are right next to each other in our church hymnal.

My dear farmer’s mother was a precious jewel with a twinkle in her eye and smile. The last two years of her life after her Johnny died were not easy. Everyone who knew her, realized that she was a good woman and a decent person.

Yet Gertrude Roghair Vander Schaaf recognized her sinfulness and her need for the Lord Jesus Christ. With a humble heart filled with gratitude, she remembered that Jesus Christ left His throne in glory, to come to earth to die for her, you and me. She chose a hymn written by Charles Wesley.

And can it be that I should gain

An int’rest in the Savior’s blood?

Died He for me, who caused His pain— For me, who Him to death pursued?

Amazing love! How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

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June 28 — Beef Pasture Walk — Elk River, Minn. — Learn and converse about establishing and restoring pastures, managing grazing, identifying plants, cattle health, body condition scoring, and responding to forage emergencies and drought. For more information, please visit z.umn. edu/2023beefpasturewalk.

July 7 — Practical Farmers of Iowa Field Day — Fonda, Iowa — The topic will be Drilling Down on Oat Varieties, Double-Crop Soybeans and Rotational Grazing. The event will be hosted by Neil & Elizabeth Peterson and sons Paul & Timothy. For more information, please visit practicalfarmers.org/fielddays.

July 11 — Meeker County Garden Tour — Litchfield, Minn. — This year’s lineup consists of five gardens in the Litchfield area that will highlight gardening techniques, annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs, and the story behind each location’s inspiration. Contact the Meeker County Extension office at (320) 693-5275.

July 12 — Soil Health Field Day — Grove City, Minn. — Different soil management topics will be covered including interseeding, adding cover crops to a rotation, and the importance of soil structure. Contact Taylor Herbert at therbert@umn.edu or (612) 3945229.

July 12-13 — Youth Tractor and Farm Safety Certification — Zumbrota, Minn. — This training teaches youth 14 years and older about