Greetings friends! The birds are chirping outside my window and the daffodils are smiling!
I am beyond grateful this week, after a wonderful in-person Easter worship service. Getting to see so many of you in person was a real joy. I know it gives me hope to know that by summer I will be able to see many more of you, safely. I am what is called half-vaxxed. One-shot down and one to go. It is a wonderful feeling to have a sore arm and know that what has been injected is doing its thing. I encourage all of us to get a vaccine, if not for yourself, but for your neighbor. This week in our small groups we are discussing the spiritual gift of gratitude. What wonderful timing, as the weather is glorious! I wanted to share this beautiful prayer of thanks from Elizabeth, Countess of Craven, England (1750-1828). I love one of the final lines, especially post-Easter..."Thine only Son once sacrificed life's loveliness for me."
Enjoy this day, Sue Sklansky
An Old Fashioned Prayer of Thanks
I thank Thee, God, that I have lived
In this great world and known its many joys,
The song of the birds, the strong, sweet scent of hay
And cooling breezes in the secret dusk,
The flaming sunsets at the close of day,
Hills, and the lonely, heather-covered moors,
Music at night, and moonlight on the sea,
The beat of waves upon the rocky shore,
And, wild, white spray, flung high in ecstasy;
The faithful eyes of dogs, and treasured books
The love of kin and fellowship of friends,
And all that makes life dear and beautiful.
I thank Thee, too, that there has come to me
A little sorrow and, sometimes, defeat,
A little heartache, and the loneliness
That comes with parting, and the word, "Goodbye,"
Dawn breaking after dreary hours of pain,
When I discovered that night's gloom must yield
And morning light break through to me again.
Because of these and other blessings poured
Unasked upon my wondering head,
Because I know that there is yet to come
An even richer and more glorious life,
And most of all, because Thine only Son
Once sacrificed life's loveliness for me -
I thank Thee, God, that I have lived.
