52 and Thankful

Today is an anniversary of sorts, marking 52 years of life on this earth. There is a book to write now, as anyone who has arrived at the half century mark of living can tell you! A lot has happened; a lot more will. Looking back and gazing forward, I'm so thankful to be able to say on this day that...

1. God is sovereign. His purposes and His plans will stand; "for the earth will be filled with the
knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea."

2. He is good. I need have no fear of those plans and purposes, for He is the judge of all the earth
who will do what is right.

3. He will complete the good work that He has begun in all His people. Grace began it,
grace will finish it, and grace will lead us home.

4. He changes selfish, greedy people into thankful ones.

I'm grateful for mercy and grace, for discipline and forbearance. And for so many other things that include people, and churches, and families, and friends and blessings.

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

For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child;
Friends on Earth and friends above,
For all gentle thoughts and mild;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This, our hymn of grateful praise.

For Thy church that evermore,
Lifteth holy hands above;
Off'ring up on every shore,
Her pure sacrifice of love;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This, our hymn of grateful praise.

For Thyself, best Gift Divine,
To the world so freely given,
For that great, great love of Thine,
Peace on earth and joy in heaven.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This, our hymn of grateful praise.