Saturday, June 18, 2011

Thanks to God/ Happy Father's Day

On this day when we celebrate fathers, I looked for a hymn that would celebrate our Heavenly Father. I am so thankful for my Dad - the guy with the sometimes gruff exterior that hides the tenderest of hearts; the one who got down on the floor for tickle-fights with his two little girls; the one who took us fishing and never minded having to get my hooks out of the trees when my casting skills left a bit to be desired; the one who set a Godly example and who has always been there for us; the one who prays for each of his loved ones every day by name.

I am also deeply thankful for a Father in Heaven who loves me unconditionally and covers me with grace. Here are the words to a hymn whose author is anonymous but whose words convey that gratitude:

Thanks to God for my Redeemer,
Thanks for all Thou dost provide!
Thanks for times now but a memory,
Thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime,
Thanks for dark and dreary fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten,
Thanks for peace withing my soul.

Thanks for prayers that Thou has answered,
Thanks for what Thou dost deny.
Thanks for storms that I have weathered,
Thanks for all Thou dos supply.
Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure,
Thanks for comfort in despair.
Thanks for grace that none can measure,
Thanks for love beyond compare!

Thanks for roses by the way-side,
Thanks for thorns their stems contain.
Thanks for homes and thanks for fire-side,
Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain.
Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow
Thanks for heavenly peace with Thee.
Thanks for hope in the tomorrow,
Thanks thro' all eternity!


I listened to several versions of this hymn on you-tube. When I heard this, despite the fact that it is not in English, I knew it was the one. These sweet voices are so fitting. Enjoy - and Happy Father's Day to all the Dads.




Blessings,
Linda