happy thanksgiving!

this is a day to give thanks, and amidst the terror and rage, let us not forget that good never ceases to exist. i thank the lord for this good that inspires greater good, dispels darkness and brings us to light. i'm reminded of a hymn i used to sing in younger days, when i was in kindergarten. the happy words (of cecil alexander) would fill my heart with joy then, just as they do today. i share them with you in the hope of multiplying that same joy:

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful:
The good Lord made them all.

Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colors,
He made their tiny wings.

The rich man in his castle,
The poor man at his gate,
He made them, high or lowly,
And ordered their estate.

The purple headed mountains,
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.

The tall trees in the greenwood,
The meadows where we play,
The rushes by the water,
To gather every day.

He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.