Often times trips through the airport are boring and dull. They are annoying stops with often long delays on the way to our destination.
You will often see an airport lobby filled with either tired individuals just trying to catch a quick snooze or people frantically running to catch their flight.
But sometimes, something special happens along the way.
Mark Lowry, the famous member from the Gaither Vocal Band, was traveling through the Lynchburg, Virginia airport on such a trip. It was just a another routine flight.
But then Mark sees walks towards a lonely pilot sitting at a piano.
As he approaches, the pilot, David Bennet, says he could play “Just A Closer Walk With Thee”, an old hymn.
David begins to gently play the piano as Mark sits next to him on the bench in silence enjoying the swinging rhythm of the piano.
Grinning from ear to ear, Mark says, “It looks like he can!”
Then the two begin an impromptu duo right in the middle of the airport.
Although the key is a little high for Mark’s range, the two certainly make the most of it. As Mark attempts to break into falsetto and continue to sing along the beloved lyrics.
“Sing it, Mark!” the pilot encourages.
“You got a swing in it, don’t ya?” Mark chimes in.
Syncopating the rhythm on the old piano, the pilot lends his own flair to a well-known favorite. Adding his own spunk and jazz, his fingers gently glide across the keys.
“Oooh he can whistle too!” Mark smiles as he listens with enjoyment.
Although the original author of the hymn is not known, the roots of “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” can be traced as far back as the 1800s.
The first known recording of the hymn was by Rosetta Tharpe in 1941 and since then, the hymn can be found in numerous hymnals throughout the country and has since remained and old-time favorite.
The lyrics are simple and straightforward, but they get right to the point.
A portion of the lyrics,
I am weak but Thou art strong
Jesus keep me from all wrong
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to TheeJust a closer walk with Thee
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea
Daily walking close to Thee
Let it be, dear Lord, let it beWhen my feeble life is o’er
Time for me will be no more
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom’s shore, to Thy shoreJust a closer walk with Thee
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea
Daily walking close to Thee
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be
Mark’s contagiously joyful attitude and the pilot’s thorough enjoyment playing a simple song is certainly something special.
Each adding their own unique flair, the duet in the middle of the airport is nothing you will soon forget.
Listen to their rendition and you will be whistling this old favorite all week.
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