Monday, November 29, 2010

"When I Get Carried Away"

We moved to a new town when I was seven years old. It was right in the middle of the school year, and I entered Mrs. Hewell's second grade classroom as the new kid. It was excruciating for someone as shy as I was. I couldn't find words to bridge the chasm that seemed to separate me from everyone else.

One day, while I was in the restroom, a few of the girls came in. They didn't know I was there, and I soon realized they were talking about me. They were saying they didn't like me because I was so stuck-up. I waited until they all left before stepping out - my heart was broken. I desperately wanted them to understand that it was only because I was shy.

All these many years later, I still worry about being misunderstood. Part of being shy, for me, means that I am not very demonstrative. I envy those who cry easily, who bubble over with enthusiastic gratitude and jump up and down with joy; the ones who dance with abandon during praise and worship. It isn't that I don't do all of those things deep inside myself. It's just that somehow they don't make it to the surface when I'm with other people.

When I am alone the tears flow freely; I dance and sing to praise music and fall on my face in gratitude. It would be easy for others to look at me and think I don't feel anything; to wonder if I am truly grateful for something they have given me. I long to be better at it because the last thing I would ever want to do is hurt someone's feelings.

There is a song that I like to think was written just for me. It gives me great hope and makes me dance and sing - when I'm alone here at home of course! Here are the words:

"When I Get Carried Away"

"Well, I don’t know why I become a little shy
When I get around a whole lotta people
And I can’t figure out why I never can shout
About the love that floods my soul.
I must confess, I can’t express
The feelings deep inside me;
The things I know and cannot show
One day will overflow.

I’m gonna let the glory roll when the roll is called in glory.
I’m gonna get beside of myself when I get beside the king that day.
I’m gonna have the time of my life when the time of my life is over.
I’m gonna get carried away when I get carried away.

Well, I’ll pass the clouds and shout so loud,
It may sound like thunder.
My tearful eyes may fill the skies
Until it looks like rain.
When I leave this world past the gates of pearl
And stand before my Savior,
I let my soul let the glory roll
If from the roll He calls my name.

I’m gonna let the glory roll when the roll is called in glory.
I’m gonna get beside of myself when I get beside the king that day.
I’m gonna have the time of my life when the time of my life is over.
I’m gonna get carried away when I get carried away."

Phil Cross

And this is how it sounds when Ivan Parker sings it:



Oh yeah - one of these days I'm gonna let the glory roll!

Blessings,
Linda