"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings." William Arthur Ward, (1921-1994), one of America's most quoted writers of inspirational maxims.

Happy Thanksgiving Day on this Thursday, November 24, 2016. The old song invites us all to count our many blessings and when we do, we will be surprised at all that God has provided to us. ('Count Your Blessings', lyrics by Johnson Oatman, Jr.; music by Edwin O. Excell, published in 1897) As I was thinking about God's actions towards His created human family, I was drawn to the words of another song. This one lifts high the banner of the love of God. Read the lyrics, sing it if you know the tune, but, take some time to reflect on this great blessing we all can be thankful for.

'The Love of God' (words and music written by Fredrick M. Lehman in 1917. It was arranged by his daughter, Claudia F. Mays.)

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.

Refrain

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.

When years of time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men, who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call,
God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
The saints’ and angels’ song.

Refrain

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

Refrain

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.

That is some song and it is a grand treatment of the boundless love shown by God towards each of us. That does give us something to be thankful for on this special day and every day He grants breath to our body. Amen. .....More later.