For the Beauty of the Earth

We were blessed on Saturday with a glorious day to spend time outside with God. The sun was shining brightly, there was a soft breeze and the temperature was just right. On the weekends, the campus seems almost vacant with students gone home for the weekend, but is rather peaceful.

This past week, life was quite busy and I really did not spend much time alone. My time alone is when I usually meditate and ponder on what God is doing in my life. Saturday I had a longing to go and be out in the beauty of creation with God. I needed my alone time with him. As I walked the campus, I was blessed to see others enjoying the day as well. As I walked, a hymn came to mind:

For the beauty of the earth,
For the beauty of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

For the beauty of each hour
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flower,
Sun and moon and stars of light,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth, and friends above,
Pleasures pure and undefiled,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

For each perfect gift of thine,
To our race so freely given,
Graces human and divine,
Flowers of earth and buds of heaven,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

For thy Church which evermore
Lifteth holy hands above,
Offering up on every shore
Her pure sacrifice of love,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
Thisour grateful hymn of praise


It is such a beautiful song that worships God not only focusing on the beauty of the earth but also the Christ sacrifice. These words came to mind as I walked and I could not help but be joyful and appreciative of the extraordinary gift God has given me. I have the pleasure of not only receiving a life-saving gift, but He conitnues to bless me with his creation.