On The Allure of the Seas cruise ship, dining is a lovely experience each night. White tablecloths, china, and crystal adorn the tables. Each table is served by a drink waiter, a headwaiter to take orders and bring food, plus an assistant waiter to serve bread and water. An enormous crystal chandelier hangs over the second story dining room ceiling, looking down into the floor below. In the center the lower deck, musicians play live music while guests dine on lobster tails, prime rib, and salmon followed by decadent desserts.

One night as we chatted with the other couples at our table, a familiar melody drifted up from the Steinway. I gave the notes my full attention, then smiled and whispered, “Thank You, Jesus.” The song was “Jesus is Calling.” Even here, Jesus calls people to Himself!

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling for you and for me;
See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching,
Watching for you and for me.

Refrain

Come home, come home,
You who are weary, come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!

Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
Pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not His mercies,
Mercies for you and for me?

Refrain

Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
Passing from you and from me;
Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
Coming for you and for me.

Refrain

O for the wonderful love He has promised,
Promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon,
Pardon for you and for me.

Refrain