Happy Father's Day

This is my Father's world,
and to my listening ears
all nature sings, and round me rings
the music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world:
I rest me in the thought
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
his hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father's world,
the birds their carols raise,
the morning light, the lily white,
declare their maker's praise.
This is my Father's world:
he shines in all that's fair;
in the rustling grass I hear him pass;
he speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father's world.
O let me ne'er forget
that though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father's world:
why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let the earth be glad!

Maltbie Davenport Babcock
1858-1901

(the entire poem is found here)

Many of us, myself and our children included, have good fathers who are here with us. Some fathers will be remembered in the past tense as they are now gone. For others, there is nothing special about today and they may have no memories of a father figure in their lives. The words of this hymn were written by a Presbyterian minister who had a pastorate near Lockport, New York. He enjoyed nature and the view of Lake Ontario from the escarpment in particular. His words tell us that our heavenly Father is always present and surrounds us with reminders of his love and care.

Happy Father's Day!