If you've sat under Rod Whitacre's teaching for more than five minutes, you've likely heard the concept of the already and the not yet. We live between times, between Christ's first coming in humility and His second coming in glory. His Kingdom is already present with us, but not yet fully realized. If you've played roots music with Rod, it's likely been out of the Already & Not Yet songbook he lovingly compiled and edited over the past fifteen years.
About a week ago, around the time of John Rodgers' memorial service, my dad started what seems to be his final turning from the already of his life with us to the not yet of his heavenly home. He told me he has lost all remaining interest in songs like “Froggie Went A-Courtin'.” He only has ears for “Angel Band” and the like. Here's a video of my mother and brother singing him home:
Here's a picture of the singers:
Here's a sweet picture of their compline prayers:
The days of clear-mindedness seem to be behind us. (Though really his sight is far clearer than mine. Yesterday morning I was sitting with him, talking about the family, and he said, “Are those angels over there?” “I don't know dad, you tell me.”) Any emails you send now I will read to him, but he may not be conscious for it. The nurses tell us we can expect up to a few more days of transition from consciousness to full unconsciousness, and then some time in unconsciousness before death.
I'll likely let you know of Rod's passing in the coming weeks. Please pray for peace for him as he lets go and crosses over, and strength for Margaret and Seth. Thank you for all of your love and prayers. 🙏