Thursday

I can still hear the voices as I leave the chapel,
pure and free, singing praise to God.
I have my winter coat on
and tremble with the cold,
but smile when I see pink buds on the trees
near the doors.
The words of praise echo in my head,
and I quietly worship,
wanting nothing but His presence.

Stars.  More than I've seen in Chicago in a long time.
I halt my swift, shivering walk
and sweep my eyes across the diamond-strewn sky,
gazing in wonder and delight.
And I praise.

Psalm of Life, or An April Hymn

Delighted wind of April,
Softly blessed by sun’s jubilance,
Fingers goose bumps on my open arms
Now soothed by sun’s gentle glance.

Has it been so long since the birds
Trebled joy into the air?
And how long must we wait for that final Spring
When all is completed in a morning fair?

My heart to Thine, Lord, open up,
As the barren branches awaiting leaves:
All rendered unto Thee,
Greening glory all for Thee.

Touch my heart with the life of Thy embrace,
Touch my heart with Thy pure dew.
Break the dams in my hard eyes
As they behold wondrous gifts and love, only all from You.

Grant me realization of Thy love supreme,
And with it ignite a passion
That all I am, in work and dream
Might ever only be for You.

Thy love, O Lord, is the song of my lips;
For Thee, my Savior, the dance of my heart.
Root out of me all worldly desire,
And from Thy strong grasp let me not depart.

April’s radiance delights my soul,
But Thy love alone doth make me whole.

Gifts of Life

Can you find the joy
     in sunshine after a week of rain?
     in a gentle snowfall?
     in a friend's embrace?
     in a sky adorned with stars?
     in the dance of a butterfly?
     in child's laughter?
     in music that touches the soul?
     in words of needed encouragement?
     in tears that bring quiet comfort?
     in a moment of beautiful silence?
     in the splendor of a fiery sunset?
     in words of encouragement for another?
     in the thrill at the peak of the mountain?
     in the lapping of waves on the shore?
     in an unspoken love in a moment of solitude with a friend?
     in the movement of long grass in the wind?
     in an unexpected smile?
     in perseverance through a hard time?
     in a summertime thunderstorm?
     in the promise of love that never ends?


These are the things of God.