Earth Day

I've got a new saying that I hope everyone will commit to memory. It goes like this, "Earth Day and then Steve's Birthday." Tomorrow I turn the big 45. I'm old enough not to remember where I was when Kennedy was shot. Over all, I'm grateful for the passing of years and for the fullness of my life. The past few weeks I've been cultivating a small crop on my chin just to see the ratio of gray to color. It looks like gray is winning.

In celebration of Earth Day, I'm riding my bike instead of driving today. Actually, I'm having some work done on the van and so I have to ride but when I'm on my bike I feel so environmentally conscious and eco-superior to everyone else. My carbon footprint is much smaller, only for this one day.

Seriously, I love the idea of Earth Day. Tonight I think we might even watch an episode or two from Planet Earth and maybe we'll even reflect on the words of this beautiful hymn:

This Is My Father's World (Sheppard & Babcock)

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
The battle is not done
Jesus who died shall be satisfied
And earth and heaven be one

Happy Earth Day to all!

Comments

[Cindy Sherwood]

Steve,
This was the very first hymn I ever learned, in a children's choir when I was 9. It still moves me just to read the words and hear the tune in my head. Thank you for sharing it!
Have a wonderful birthday!!!!!!!
Cindy (who's not old enough to remember where I was when Kennedy was shot either, but just barely.)

[Chris]

Happy Birthday Buddy! You're half way to 90.