All Good Gifts

While I personally thrive under clear skies and bright sunlight, the low barometric pressure that accompanies the weather we have today is giving me a sinus headache that makes me want to just lie down and take a nap. I am, however, delighted that we are finally having a good soaking rain. As I looked out from the car, a wonderful worship text came to mind … particularly the last line of the first stanza:

We plow the fields and scatter the good seed on the land,
But it is fed and watered by God's Almighty hand.
He sends the snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain,
The breezes and the sunshine, and soft, refreshing rain.

All good gifts around us are sent from Heaven above;
Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord for all His love.

He only is the Maker of all things near and far;
He paints the wayside flower, He lights the evening star.
The wind and waves obey Him, by Him the birds are fed;
Much more to us, His children, He gives our daily bread.

All good gifts around us are sent from Heaven above;
Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord for all His love.

We thank Thee, then, our Father, for all things bright and good:
The seed-time and the harvest, our life, our health, our food.
Accept the gifts we offer for all Your love imparts,
And what Thou most desirest, our humble, thankful hearts.

All good gifts around us are sent from Heaven above;
Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord for all His love.

This wonderful text was probably written before the industrial revolution distanced the average person from dependence on the land for daily sustenance. As I endure my headache, I thank God for the soft, refreshing rain that has fallen all day today. How we have needed it! But I’d really like to have clear weather Friday and Saturday because of the State Band Competition we are hosting.

Mercy drops ’round us are indeed falling … but for the showers we plead. That’s enough to think about for now.