Thursday, May 10, 2012

This is My Father's World

-->
Impeccable timing has eluded me my entire life. Last week marks 13 years since my dad died, next month is Father’s Day, he would have been 97 in March, yet I choose to reminisce about him this week.

Dad loved his Lord and his family and his church but his perfect world would have consisted in worshiping his Lord in a church service with his loved ones outdoors. He loved the natural world and even said he sometimes wanted to just hug a tree although I never saw him do it.

This song, although I don’t know it to have been his absolute favorite, always makes me think of him.

This is my Father's world,
            and to my listening ears
            all nature sings, and round me rings
            the music of the spheres.  

            This is my Father's world: 
            I rest me in the thought
            of rocks and trees, 

            of skies and seas; 

            his hand the wonders wrought.

         
This is my Father's world,
 the birds their carols raise, 

            the morning light, 

            the lily white, 

            declare their maker's praise. 
            This is my Father's world: 
            he shines in all that's fair;
            in the rustling grass I hear him pass; 

            he speaks to me everywhere.

        This is my Father's world. 
            O let me ne'er forget
            that though the wrong seems oft so strong,
            God is the ruler yet. 

            This is my Father's world: 
            why should my heart be sad? 
            The Lord is King; let the heavens ring! 
            God reigns; let the earth be glad!


Lyrics by Maltbie Davenport Babcock

4 comments:

Susan said...

Thanks Anita. This strengthened my heart this morning.

Robin Steinweg said...

Dear Prude,

It's one of my most favorite hymns. That and the photos gave me a refreshing breath.

Thanks for sharing your dad with us. I look forward to meeting him in heaven!

Sue Vick Finley said...

What a lovely reminiscence of your dad. That is a beautiful hymn and the photos make it even more so.

bethBA said...

I intentionally re-read it without the tune going through my head and it enriched my appreciation of Him! Thanks, Anita.