Tack, O Gud.

tonight i was looking, playing, reading, and singing through our old covenant hymnal. as it is nearly thanksgiving, this one caught my eye. [also, it's original text was in swedish, which is a fool-proof annie trap, really: anything in swedish.] i made up a new little tune for it, and put together three quick tracks on garageband. it's been a long time since i've done anything of the kind.

it sums up a long season, and unfailing lovingkindness Himself.

Thanks to God for my Redeemer,
Thanks for all Thou dost provide!
Thanks for times now but a memory,
Thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime,
Thanks for dark and dreary fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten,
Thanks for peace within my soul!

Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered, Thanks for what Thou dost deny! Thanks for storms that I have weathered, Thanks for all Thou dost supply! Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure, Thanks for comfort in despair! Thanks for grace that none can measure, Thanks for love beyond compare!

Thanks for roses by the wayside, Thanks for thorns their stems contain! Thanks for home and thanks for fireside, Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain! Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow, Thanks for heavenly peace with Thee! Thanks for hope in the tomorrow, Thanks through all eternity! Amen.

-August Ludvig Storm, 1891 (Translated by Carl E. Backstrom 1901-?)