This past weekend, I had the blessing to make a retreat at Eastern Point Retreat Center in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Once the stately home of a New York Stock Broker, the main house of the Center was built in 1921, and is was created for parties. Big parties. It must have been amazing to be a visitor there during those days. Now, it provides a serene place to spend time, spiritual time. On Saturday morning, the sunrise was magnificent. I wasn’t the only one to notice, as there were quite a few of us out to see the dawn of a new day.
As I sat watching, the song How Can I Keep From Singing? came to mind. I’ve been reflecting on the lyrics for several months, since the funeral of one of the deacons of my parish. It had been years since I last heard it, and it came as a bit of a surprise initially. But then, knowing the wonderful, faith-filled person Deacon Don was, it made perfect sense. It’s gotten me thinking that we don’t sing enough. Of God’s goodness, his mercy, is love, the beauty of his creation.
It’s ours for the taking. Let’s start becoming more aware of it, shall we? That new level of awareness just might lead us to sing.
My life flows on in endless song;
Above earth’s lamentation,
I hear the sweet, tho’ far-off hymn
That hails a new creation;
Thro’ all the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing;
It finds an echo in my soul—
How can I keep from singing?
What tho’ my joys and comforts die?
The Lord my Saviour liveth;
What tho’ the darkness gather round?
Songs in the night he giveth.
No storm can shake my inmost calm
While to that refuge clinging;
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and
earth,
How can I keep from singing?
I lift my eyes; the cloud grows thin;
I see the blue above it;
And day by day this pathway smooths,
Since first I learned to love it,
The peace of Christ makes fresh my
heart,
A fountain ever springing;
All things are mine since I am his—
How can I keep from singing?
