Ancient and Modern Combined.

I am reading a few devotional books at the moment.  One is a compilation of different Bible verses set in themes for the day.  The other is a daily hymn with a short biographical section about the author or composer.  It is a great book, although so far no good hymns have been written since about 1920!

Last Saturday, our church did a sponsored walk.  I felt that the 7 miles around the Lake was too much at the moment. However, not to let a small thing like heart surgery get in the way I decided to walk half of it.  My husband found a place we could park half-way around the route, and we met the rest of the walkers near the beach.  Whilst waiting for them to arrive, I read my daily hymn (it is a kindle book on my phone).  I  sat on a rock looking at some beautiful trees, a wonderfully built old house on the hill in the distance, a fresh water lake to my right and the sea to my left.  The sound of water gently lapping the edge of the sand bar and birds singing were all around me.  The scene was absolutely idyllic.  This was the hymn I read:

"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:  the battle is not done:
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and Heav'n be one."

By Maltbie Davenport Babcock 

How wonderful to have an opportunity to look at the wonderful things around me.  On the walk I noticed amazing blossom, deep purply bluebells, cows bumbling in their field munching their breakfast of grass, a cheeky robin, bright yellow gorse and many other spectacular examples of Creation.  I enjoyed that early morning walk around the Lake and was glad to be able to take part.

Looking at the house on the hill from my rock.  Imagination is required for the lake and sea.  This photo does no justice to the beauty or ambiance of the scene.