A Spring of Joy

One of my favorite hymns growing up was “Father I Know That All My Life”. I think one of my reasons for liking it was because it was a favorite of my “second mom”, Emma. As I’ve gotten older and walked through my own wildernesses, it has become dear to me for other reasons. It’s a song of petition. It’s a song of contentment. It’s a song of strength. It’s a song of childlike faith. It’s a song of promise.

Recently I sent the lyrics to our worship director, Burress, and asked him to put it to a different tune for me. Today I sat in puddles of tears in my kitchen as I listened to his reflection on these powerful words and prayed about my tomorrow. About finding out whether or not I’m facing cancer again.

I am clinging. He gives the daily strength.

Here is what Burress sent me (Thank you, Burr!). May you be blessed as I have been in knowing that all our life is portioned out by our loving Father.

May He be glorified no matter what my tomorrow holds!

Father, I know that all my life
Is portioned out for me,
The changes that are sure to come
I do not fear to see;
I ask Thee for a present mind
Intent on pleasing Thee.

I would not have the restless will
That hurries to and fro,
Seeking for some great thing to do
Or secret thing to know;
I would be treated as a child,
And guided where I go.

I ask Thee for daily strength,
To none that ask denied,
A mind to blend with outward life
While keeping at Thy side;
Content to fill a little space,
If Thou be glorified.

In service which Thy will appoints
There are no bonds for me;
My inmost heart is taught “the truth”
That makes Thy children “free.”
A life of self renouncing love
Is a life of liberty.
(Anna L. Waring, 1850)