This weekend I had the opportunity to volunteer at our church's food pantry. There are few things I've done more humbling and more gratitude-inducing. Even those of us who aren't viewed as "rich" in this country are in reality far richer than we acknowledge. Experiences like the one I had make almost a more powerful impact than footage of shanty towns in developing countries -- these are people in my own backyard struggling to make a life for themselves.
Do I have to line up once a week for free food because the rest of my money went to paying bills? Do I have to choose between a semi-nutritious diet for my family and putting gas in the car? No. Thank God. And yet, even if I was forced to do those things, I must also force myself to be grateful for what I have.
There is only one poorest person in the world and only one richest; if you're not either of them, that means there's not only someone who's always better off than you financially, but there's always someone worse off. Wherever we're at in life, we ought to be thankful for the good things we've got. Evie the singer taught me that as a child, but I need frequent reminding:
"Why complain about the way that you look
Why complain about the scolding that you took
Why complain when so many cannot run
Why complain when you're having so much fun
Just be thankful for the good things that you've got
Oh be thankful for the good things that you've got
The good things that you've got are for many just a dream
So be thankful for the good things that you've got
Why complain about your clothes and your shoes
Why complain about your teacher and her rules
Why complain when so many have no home
Why complain when you have one of your own"
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7 comments:
I was going to try and quote that other Evie song about the tree and the stream, but I realized that I've never taken the time to learn the words past the age of 7 1/2 (because when you're a kid you add "1/2" to the end of your age starting the day after your last birthday). So this is how I still hear it in my brain:
"I saw a tree by the riverside, nnnnnnnnnn, and I said to the Riverfront tree...nnnnnnnnnnnn...This is my father's nnnnnnnnnn...nnnnnnn....Tree."
I'm not sure if any of these words are actually in the song. Probably not. You'll probably tell me the whole thing is really about a cloud.
Priceless, Miss McGee, positively priceless...
"I saw a tree by the riverside
one day as I walked along
straight as an arrow and pointing to the sky
growing tall and strong
'How do you grow so tall and strong?'
I said to the riverside tree
This is the song that my tree friend sang to me:
'I've got roots growing down to the water
I've got leaves growing up to the sunshine
and the fruit that I bear is the sign of life in me
I am shade from the hot summer sundown
I am nest for the birds of the heavens
I'm becoming what the Lord of trees
has meant me to be...
a strong young tree' "
(the second verse is about a downtown tree but the chorus is the same)
I've actually been thinking about that song lately as I've had to get creative with the lullabies I sing to the little guy. Such a nice song, isn't it? I can't believe I remember all the words! At least I think I do -- girlfriday will have to correct any flubs.
Wait...that was all from memory? Holy crap! Did you remember Just Be Thankful by heart too? I thought for sure you Googled them. I'd love to see that Google page. Maybe it would have Psalty lyrics too!
All from memory baby -- I can't believe it either :)
I need daily reminders that there are people with really desperate, I need to eat and/or my child needs medical attention, circumstances. Thank you.
Impressive lyric quoting!!
Ahhh, Evie. You've taught us so much. Things like height doesn't matter when it comes to salvation:
"I'm only four feet eleven
but I'm goin' to heaven
and that makes me feel ten feet tall."
I got chills reading the tree song.
I can totally hear it playing on the record player in our old house with the afternoon sun filtering through the oak tree leaves and eyelet curtains into our dining room.
That and, "Step into the sunshine. Get out of the rain."
What would our culture be like with out Norwegians? (This is rhetorical, so no smart ass comments)
Wow, what a great thread.
Looks like you got the words right, Lois. I sing that "Why Complain" song to myself a lot. Funny enough, I don't know all the verses. Do you elphaba?
About the post itself, I've been thinking about a theme: Things Withheld. What it means to go without...a bed, sleep, food, access to creature comforts. And yet, even where things are withheld, it strikes me that there is still SO much to enjoy and be grateful for. Oh physician, heal thyself!
I am truly blessed even with what little I have in my life, for the Lord is the Lord of me! My life is a constant struggle right now with loss of job, in middle of a divorce from emotionally and spiritually abusive husband, and eating one meal a day to survive. But through it all I turn every situation, every moment over to Him.
Amazingly a friend wrote a passage "Complain...remain. Praise...be raised.", that made me want to look up "Why Complain" so I could post it for her to see. WE DARN NEAR WORE OUT OUR 8 TRACK FROM EVIE GROWING UP!!! I still sing these songs to this day because I believe in every meaning within them. Be blessed!
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