For the Beauty of the Earth

I want to write of happy things like sunshine and flowers, gentle rain on warm days, rainbows, wildlife, new babies and little kids…all things that make me smile. The beauty of the earth, the glory of the skies and all else noted in that old hymn. That’s what I want to write about and post pictures of, but, with all the good in this life comes bad and sad as well. I accept both from God. Not gladly, but still I will accept what comes my way because I know all the good that is here now is a gift for me to enjoy. My job on earth is to love, serve, and honor God… and to enjoy his people and his creation.

I lost a cousin just two weeks ago. This week another cousin and an aunt passed away on the same day. And still the sun rose in the morning, some rain fell, we worked and ate and rested, children played…life went on for all of us except for those who were called home.

But we are left with good memories and more days to fill and enjoy. We’ve watched geese raise their babies, robins wait for new life to hatch, and a mama turtle lay eggs.  And Tom planted Christmas trees.        

The life cycle of Christmas trees: plant ’em, weed ’em, shear ’em, and mow around ’em. Ten years or so of tending and then it’s time to cut or dig and enjoy them!

Life cycles, life circles — My cousin’s wife will become a grandma any minute now. Her son, and Jim’s, is about to be a daddy. This baby boy will bring joy to balance out sadness. Still, everyone will be keenly aware that Pappy Jim won’t be there to welcome and greet his newborn grandson. I like to think they had these few days to hang out together in heaven. Just Pap and baby, coming and going. That’s what I like to think.

For the Beauty of the Earth 1. For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies, for the love which from our birth over and around us lies; Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise. 2. For the beauty of each hour of the day and of the night, hill and vale, and tree and flower, sun and moon, and stars of light; Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise. 3. For the joy of ear and eye, for the heart and mind’s delight, for the mystic harmony, linking sense to sound and sight; Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise. 4. For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child, friends on earth and friends above, for all gentle thoughts and mild; Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise. 5. For thy church, that evermore lifteth holy hands above, offering up on every shore her pure sacrifice of love; Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise. 6. For thyself, best Gift Divine, to the world so freely given, for that great, great love of thine, peace on earth, and joy in heaven: Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

Advertisements