grateful – Woodsmoke and Cardamom

I Thank You, Lord

by Lucy M. Young

I thank You, Lord, that I can see
The deep blue sky, the restless sea;
The stars at night, the sun by day
The flowers that bloom along my way.

I thank You, Lord, that I can hear
The sound of things that I hold dear -
The songs of birds, a glad refrain,
The symphony of wind and rain.

I thank You, Lord, that I can touch
And feel the things that mean so much -
A friendly hand, a gentle shower,
The velvet petals of a flower.

I thank You, Lord, that I can savor,
Not only food of every flavor,
But life as well, and love and gladness,
Seasoned with a touch of sadness.

For joy and pain go hand in hand,
And 'though we may not understand
Why this must be, I thank You for
These things, and will not ask for more.

Autumn

by Lucy M. Young

photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash

The leaves are turning gold and crimson,
Sure sign that summer's drying,
Asters and chrysanthemums are blooming everywhere;
Spreading apple trees and grapevines
Laden with their ripening bounty
Of luscious fruit, their perfume fills the air.
Flocking birds are swiftly gathering,
Daily feeding on the plenitude
Of seeds and berries in the woods and fields.
Days are bright and warm and sunny,
Nights are clear and cool and frosty,
The air is crisp and clean like sparkling wine;
Drinking deeply of their vintage 
We're with grateful hearts rejoicing
In the glory of the Master's great design.

If you can hear the softly falling raindrops,
Or the crashing roar of surf upon the shore;
If you can hear the birds at evening vespers,
Or the sweet contentment of a kitten’s purr.

If you can smell the wonderful aroma
Of fresh-baked bread upon the window-sill;
The fragrance of a lovely dew-drenched flower,
Or the tantalizing scent of sage and dill;

If you can see the gorgeous hues of sunset,
Or the soft pastels of early morning skies;
If you can see the vast, star-studded heavens,
Or the lovelight shining in your mother’s eyes;

If you can feel the warmth of summer sunlight,
Or the frosty coolness of an autumn morn;
The presence of a friend when you are lonely,
The touch of a friendly hand when you’re forlorn;

If you can see and feel and taste and hear,
And walk unhampered through God-given days,
Then lift your heart in thanks to God above,
In joyous abandon sing His praise;
For you are truly blest by His great love –
A light to guide and strengthen you always.

photo by Johannes Plenio on Unsplash