40 - A Song of Delight

Sunday evening, my husband’s family gathered to celebrate his father’s 70th birthday. My mother-in-law arranged the dinner. The three sons and their wives and 6 of the 7 grandchildren were there - only Ben, the second oldest, unable to get away during freshman year finals at Emory University was missing. The dilemma of “what to get” was solved for this special day by asking the grandchildren to write essays about their grandpa. The three sons also contributed their thoughts. This is part of what my husband had to say:

“Since a proper thank you note requires specific mention of the gifts, I have tried to list a few the things I learned from you:

No-strings generosity is repaid better than any obligation.
All people deserve respect.
An honorable man is trusted, and a trusted man must act honorably. Honor is hard earned and easily spent.
Tactful honesty usually works. Self-interested dishonesty cannot truly benefit.
Knowledge is never wasted, and satisfaction of curiosity is its own reward.
Find something you want to do, then do it well.
Do it now (still working on this one).”

We daughters-in-law were not asked to write anything about the extraordinary man who is our father-in law. But this psalm would have fit the occasion.

Fourty

A Song of Delight

Hallelujah!

Sing praises to God!
You plant bright periwinkle
To bloom beneath sturdy birches,
You sustain lichens upon rocky hills.

Hallelujah!

Sing praises to God!
You open rivulets
To meet flowing rivers;
You add spring showers to great streams.

Hallelujah!

Sing praises to God!
You send the yearling doe
To leap through dappled sunlight,
You animate all things.

Hallelujah!

Sing praises to God!
You guard the fledgling eaglet who readies for flight
Under eagles’ wings.
You make hearts glad.

Hallelujah!

Sing praises to God!
You enliven the world
To recall Your creation;
You invigorate each day.

You give us youth
To warm days that follow;
You sustain us as we age
That the young might learn our steps.

So may we join, young and old,
To exalt You.

Sing to God!
Sing praises!