A long time ago I learned a poem from my great grandmother, GG. She was one who taught us a verse of this and a song about that. And I love her for it. I wish I could be more like her because she truly was an extraordinary woman.
Each year, right around now, when autumn settles in and the leaves turn their bright hues of golden and crimson, this particular poem she taught me seems just right. And I’m going to share it with you now. Not for the sake of the poem. Oh, it is worthy to be repeated for sure in its own right. But I’m sharing it because it has heightened my senses. Piqued my interest…
What does that mean? Well, as I looked out my window yesterday, I realized He created me with all of my physical senses so that I could sense Him, and so that others would come to know Him. But even more so that I could worship Him. His beauty is everywhere; His creation is unfathomable. I can savor the goodness of His harvest on my lips. My ears revel in the symphony this world plays, each creature singing its own part. I watch as His faithfulness is painted across the horizon from season to season…
As I come to know this God, the creator of these majestic mountains and glorious valleys, my life joins in unison, singing back His praises. In word and deed I’m able to touch those around me with His love and mercy. If I live in the light of His goodness, my life becomes a sacrifice- a sweet-smelling aroma to Him. Oh how I pray that He moves my heart to this sanctuary of gratefulness that induces action – maybe even right here, in my own back yard.
Heavenly Father, help me come to my senses!
And now the poem…
All Things Bright and Beautiful
~Cecil Frances Alexander
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colors,
He made their tiny wings.
The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset, and the morning,
That brightens up the sky;
The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them every one.
He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell,
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.
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