Thou gracious God, whose mercy lends
The light of home, the smile of friends,
Our gathered flock thine arms enfold
As in the peaceful days of old.
Wilt thou not hear us while we raise
In sweet accord of solemn praise
The voices that have mingled long
In joyous flow of mirth and song?
For all the blessings life has brought,
For all the sorrowing hours have taught,
For all we mourn, for all we keep,
The hands we clasp, the loved that sleep.
The noontide sunshine of the past,
These brief, bright moments fading fast,
The stars that gild our darkening years,
The twilight ray from holier spheres.
We thank thee, Father; let thy grace
Our loving circle still embrace,
Thy mercy shed its heavenly store,
Thy peace be with us evermore.
-Oliver Wendell Holmes
I can’t read these words (or hear them sung) without images from my life coming to mind to match the phrases. Perhaps it is the same for you.
Writing a blog means that I look at experiences with the thought, “How/when/should I share this?” I am hosting Thanksgiving dinner today. I wanted make a post to highlight some of the things for which I am thankful this year, and it would be so colorful and full of pictures. But preparations for the dinner and Christmas have taken my energy this week, and I realize that the blog is already a running list of gratitude. I’ve written more than 100 posts in 2024 and they showcase some of what Heavenly Father has done. Just some. Thank you for being my blog friend and reading along.