No Secret – SONG, November 22, 2025

“The smell of garments like the smell of Lebanon,” Ron mused. “Didn’t you talk about this Hup? Didn’t you say that a tree of Lebanon was used for the cross?”

“Yes, and the cross was the framework of our chariot… ” Diane added. “I remember.”

“Our spiritual transport – mystical, virtual,” Connie said looking at Diane, not her husband. Before coming to the Waters that evening, they had a fight. Bill was tired, and didn’t want to come. There was a basketball game he wanted to watch. Connie made it clear that he had no choice… he promised her that if he got his season tickets to the upcoming season, he’d go.

“Yes, and more than a chariot transport, what did you think when you entered this room?” Hup asked.

“This room? It’s beautiful,” Diane and Connie both gushed.

“I couldn’t believe it was back here,” Ron said. Walter keeps it a well kept secret I guess. 

“No – no secret,” Hup corrected. “The entire restaurant is no secret… the tables are always full… people don’t leave disappointed… never hungry, but then again, not too full to feel uncomfortable.”  

Walter entered the dining room, “They come back when they are either hungry or feeling uncomfortable where they are outside. Some come back every day… some not for weeks… others, for years.”

“Is that a fact?” Bill asked.

“Yes, some never come back at all,” Walter said matter-of-fact.  “Have you enjoyed the meal so far?”

“Yes, absolutely,” they all said except Bill.

“I thought we were going to have wine? I saw the waiter fill the decanters earlier,” Bill said.

“At the end of the evening, Bill.” Hup answered and smiled. Actually, the wine will be served when we observe communion together. 

“Communion? You planned for us to share in communion?” Bill asked. “Isn’t that unorthodox? What would Jones and Wilder say?”

“Yes, I recommended it.” Walter explained. 

Hup continued: “What better place to celebrate sweet communion but with those are closest to you and are among the body of Christ – as the disciples gathered in the upper room. How often do we share communion with strangers? At least here we know each other. We have been together how long? We have ridden that chariot together and we are now in an enclosed garden. I’m sure you can imagine it.

“I can,” Connie confessed. “With the fragrance that fills this room?”

“I think it’s sacrilegious… don’t you Ron?” Bill asked.

“Communion has always been the 1st Sunday of every month, Hup, and administered by the deacons and pastor.”

“Well, do as the Lord and conscience instructs. Follow His leading, and be at peace.” Hup replied.

“I’ll join you.” “I will too,” Connie and Diane said as they looked to Hup and Cordia.

Walter leaned over Connie’s shoulder. “More than those Mrs. Paxton… camphire… frankincense… myrrh and aloes.”

“Pomegranates?” Diane included. 

“Yes, all of those to the extent the plants are in season here at the Waters – they are always in season in heaven of course,” Walter explained as he refilled their water glasses, “We found that the aromas that waft from our kitchen – the broiled and charred meats – and our floral arrangements on our tables bring to our customers great pleasure and satisfaction in anticipation and accomplishment of not only whom we serve in heaven, but those whom Father has chosen to join us. That, dear ones, is the way that our Lord’s life, and death provided a sweet savor to our Father in heaven – as the Son of God and son of man – and the Holy Spirit carries that savor to God’s elect as a southern wind.”

“Well said, my friend.”