Thankfuls

August 27, 2013
(last stanza written on April 21, 2014)

Thankfuls
 

Thank the LORD for barefoot days;

For “little things” that make us praise;
For lengthy nights of sweet comfort;

For trails to take where knees hit dirt.

For one more smile to give us strength

In some strange way where we are weak;

For calm and peace when worries come

That Christ still has us even then.

For painful-sweet confessing sin;

And seeing hope as days begin;

For Scriptures dear, and new, and fresh

That draw our hearts and quite refresh.

For family, friends who know us well

And share with us things they should tell,

And chide us when we’re in the wrong

Or, used by God, provoke a song.

For letters, talks that sharpen hearts;

For shape-note Gospel sung in parts;

For prayers that young friends pray aloud;

Or spotting loved ones in a crowd.

For talks with pastors, godly men,

Holy teachers, near of kin;

For godliness seen on display;

For having time to sit and pray.

For Christians fighting "on the front"

In hostile places, who the brunt,

Of persecution, full in face,

Catching them, show love with grace.

For Christians chained in coal-black cell

Who know the LORD but cannot tell

If others in the outside world

Remember them and preach the Word.

For thoughts of Heaven’s promises;

Escape from sin’s compromises;

Joy in the LORD’S eternal life;

The hope of end of sin and strife.

My Lord, I thank Thee! When I do,

I find my heart behaves most true.

You are my Lord, and due all praise!

May gratefulness fill all my days.

……