Thanks-living Lyric

Happy Thanksgiving to our American neighbors and friends! For heavens that declare God’s glory age to age to age... For children in the sweet, fleet sacredness of innocence... For front porch lights and blazing hearths and fresh-steeped cups of tea... For heavens that declare God’s glory age to age to ageMasterpiece after masterpiece ignites awe’s flawless wage For nature’s law unruffled by the changes progress bringsBeauty’s bounteous coffers charged with Eden’s glimmerings For children in the sweet, fleet sacredness of innocenceBefore the tug twixt right and wrong begins its arguments For home’s most cherished havens and the love of familyFor front porch lights and blazing hearths and fresh-steeped cups of tea For worth earth cannot grant, but He whose breath of life we breatheFor mirth to plant its laughter where our spirits often grieve For hope to help us cope with ‘nope’ when we had prayed for ‘yes’For ups and downs that humble and meeken our happiness For all the ways we could have erred, but by God’s grace, did notFor mercy’s goodness undeterred though He is oft forgot For God’s unfailing promises for better or for worseFor dawn, unveiling Today like a gift from heaven’s purse For faces not yet kissed and wonder not yet tasted, ohFor sadness of farewells hinged to the gladness of hello For doors waiting to fling ajar on shores beyond our reachFor knowing that right where we are has lessons left to teach For friendships and for favors, free of charge and fit for kingsLike the trill of a songbird or the thrill new baby brings For night’s rest from our labours and for neighbors, sweet and kindFor duty’s wealth to guard against snares of an idle mind For farm fresh eggs and other fine culinary delightsFor simple fare to satisfy heartiest appetites For fresh-ground, fresh-brewed coffee, for the cup of life that brimsWith still untasted melodies of still unfolding hymns For seasons that we sail through, like the twinkle or a chimeStunning new generations with the olden ways of time For challenges that teach us to trust more and worry lessFor flowerpots on windowsills and tot-anointed mess For dreams that keep us on our toes/knees and drive impatience wildFor moms and dads committed to the welfare of the child For unexpected moments that bestow a breathless acheWith bliss we miss when hurry’s flurry sets the pace we take For faith to face the new year with our faces all aglowLike children as they dash to play in fresh untrodden snow For jar shelves laden with collections gleaned from garden fareFor cozy nooks and books when the weather growls like a bear For flowers, and for bowers bright with fall foliage, for springAfter winter relinquishes its grip on earth’s awning For treasuring the timelessness of life’s most simple joysShared with the cheerful company of little girls and boys For poetry still wafting in whispers still unsubduedFor more than we can tally when it comes to gratitude For love's lingering essence like a fragrant curlicueAfter the flame is snuffed that flickered with life's me-and-you And, (last but never least), for salvation’s securityTo make our joy complete despite what was, is and will be © Janet Martin For treasuring the timelessness of life’s most simple joysShared with the cheerful company of little girls and boys... For love's lingering essence like a fragrant curlicueAfter the flame is snuffed that flickered with life's me-and-you