I Thank Thee God, That I Have Lived

I thank thee God, that I have lived
In this great world and known its many joys:
The songs of birds, the strongest sweet scent of hay
And cooling breezes in the secret dusk;
The flaming sunsets at the close of day
Hills and the lovely, heather-covered moors;
Music at night, and the moonlight on the sea
The beat of waves upon the rocky shore
And wild white spray, flung high in ecstasy;
The faithful eyes of dogs, and treasured books
The love of Kin and fellowship of friends
And all that makes life dear and beautiful

I thank Thee too, that there has come to me
A little sorrow and sometimes defeat
A little heartache and the loneliness
That comes with parting and the words 'Good-bye';
Dawn breaking after weary hours of pain
When I discovered that night's gloom must yield
And morning light break through to me again
Because of these and other blessings poured
Unasked upon my wondering head
Because I know that there is yet to come
An even richer and more glorious life
And most of all, because Thine only Son
Once sacrificed life's loveliness for me
I thank Thee, God, that I have lived