The Happy Goodman Family was one of the great groups in Gospel music. Their talents, varied styles, and heartfelt messages through music \u2013 sermons in song, really \u2013 have touched uncountable people since the late 1940s. Brothers Howard, Rusty, and Sam, and Howard\u2019s wife Vestal were icons; and Rusty\u2019s daughter Tanya continues the tradition today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rusty was the group\u2019s songwriter, and in fact some of his music has transcended Gospel shows and hit records, and found their way into many hymnals. But Howard, the front man for the family band, wrote one that summed up his life, the Goodman Family\u2019s journey. And mine too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can you identify, at the end of the day in still, small moments, with the confessions and testimony Howard shared?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I don\u2019t regret a mile I\u2019ve traveled for the Lord,
I don\u2019t regret the times I\u2019ve trusted in His Word.
I\u2019ve seen the years go by, many days without a song,
But I don\u2019t regret a mile I\u2019ve traveled for the Lord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I’ve dreamed many a dream that’s never come true; I’ve prayed many a prayer that seemed no answer would come, I’ve sown many a seed that’s fallen by the wayside I’ve trusted many a friend that’s failed me I’ve drained a cup of disappointment and pain, I don\u2019t regret a mile I\u2019ve traveled for the Lord, The italics here are mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I pray that they are yours, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n + + +<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I’ve seen them vanish at dawn.
But enough of my dreams have come true
To make me keep dreaming on.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though I’d waited so patient and long;
But enough answers have come to my prayers
To make me keep praying on.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the birds to feed upon.
But I’ve held enough golden sheaves in my hands
To make me keep sowing on.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
And left me to weep alone.
But enough of my friends have been true-blue
To make me keep trusting on.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
And gone many a day without song.
But I’ve sipped enough nectar from the roses of life
To make me want to live on.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I don\u2019t regret the times I\u2019ve trusted in His Word.
I\u2019ve seen the years go by, many days without a song,
But I don\u2019t regret a mile I\u2019ve traveled for the Lord.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n