On this Labor Day, many give thanks for the ability to earn a living. Others work within the capacity given them by their disabilities. And some must rely entirely on the work of others for their sustenance. But ALL are called to do God’s work.
Therefore, I offer this song to stir our hearts and rally to the cause of Christ. For though the harvest is full, the laborers are far too few.
Today is the forty-seventh time that I can give thanks to God for the gift of my wife and the covenant we made together. This song is once again for you, Madeline.
Today Madeline and I celebrate our wedding anniversary. In her honor I share with you two songs. The first one is a rewrite of a song I composed for her earlier in our marriage and needs no explanation. The second one is a cover of a song by James Taylor that captures well the heart of my relationship with her since my semi-retirement and the increased time together during the pandemic. Especially on the refrain I think you’ll see why.
My good friend, Ray Niccolai, supplied the guitar on both songs, and the bass on What More. He’s a master musician who also plays mandolin, electric guitar, and probably any instrument that has strings. I’m deeply grateful for his contribution.
And so to my college sweetheart – Happy Anniversary with all of my love.
Mother of Sweet Sorrow – Lyrics
You held him in your arms in Bethlehem wrapped in swaddling clothes. Laid him in a manger and heard the angels sing, “Glory to God on high”. And you pondered all these things and held them in your heart.
You held him in your arms in Jerusalem clothed in white in the Temple. Laid him on the altar and heard the prophet say, “A sword shall pierce your soul”. And you pondered all these things and held them in your heart.
You held him in your arms on Calvary stripped of all his clothes. Laid him in the tomb and heard the soldier say, “This was truly the Son of God.” And you pondered all these things and held them in your heart.
In your womb, in your arms, in your life you carried Jesus; carry him now into our hearts, Mother of Sweet Sorrow, Mother of Sweet Sorrow.
At Your Father’s Side – Lyrics
Refrain: Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Our lives are fleeting, so return to the Lord with all your heart.
One day is like a thousand years in your sight; a thousand years like a watch in the night.
We know not the day nor the hour that will be our last. It will come like a thief in the night when we least expect.
Run to Him, confess your sin, His arms are open wide. Receive the gift of tender mercy at your Father’s side.
The laborers are few but the harvest is plenty. We beg the Lord of the harvest to send us out, to send us out.
You send us out as lambs in the midst of wolves, to proclaim the kingdom of God to those who have ears to hear.
We offer You praise O Father, Lord of heaven and earth. For what You’ve hidden from the learned and wise, You’ve revealed to the merest children.
We must be ready, the time is short. Not one of us may stand idle. We must go out for the fields are ripe.
Lord make me an instrument of Your peace, peace beyond all understanding.
Where there is hatred let me sow love. And where there’s injury Your pardon Lord. Where there is doubt true faith. Where there’s despair let me bring hope. And where there’s darkness only light, and joy where there is sadness.
O Divine Master grant that I may not seek much to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. And it is in dying that we are born; born to eternal life.
Come from afar to follow a star. Men of great wisdom bearing great gifts. Drawn by a single-hearted purpose, seeking a King to worship.
Led to Bethlehem by the star. Finding the Child they fell to their knees. Laying their gifts before the Babe, they gazed on the King of Kings.
Offer to Jesus all you have. Hold nothing back from your Savior. No gift is too small to give, when it’s given freely from the heart.
What do you have that you did not receive from God’s hand? What can you give that was not given you first? We are but earthen vessels holding the treasures of God.
So offer to Jesus all you have. Hold nothing back from your Savior. No gift is too small to give, when it’s given freely from the heart. When it’s given from your heart.
You held him in your arms in Bethlehem wrapped in swaddling clothes; laid Him in a manger and heard the angels sing “Glory to God on high”; and you pondered all these things and held them in your heart.
You held him in your arms in Jerusalem clothed in white in the Temple; laid Him on the altar and heard the prophet say, “A sword shall pierce your soul”; and you pondered all these things and held them in your heart.
You held him in your arms on Calvary stripped of all His clothes; laid Him in the tomb and heard the soldier say, “This was truly the Son of God”; and you pondered all these things and held them in your heart.
In your womb, in your arms, in your life you carried Jesus; carry Him now into our hearts, Mother of sweet sorrow; Mother of sweet sorrow.
