Quiet Moments

LAURA GERAHTY

Sweet are these quiet moments when the world
Lies still about me. Twice, nay thrice, I say,
Father, I thank Thee! As before me sweep
A host of grateful thoughts. Swifter than speech
They pass in silent tribute to Thy will.

So fast they come! And, passing, make swift room
For more again. More quickly than the rain,
Clear, crystal drops that swell the silent pool,
Gathering momentum as they fall—and fall.
Too fast for any words to formulate
Each dear familiar blessing or to give
Name to each whisper from my heart's deep well.

My health; my strength; my friends; the joy to share
This rich abundance with its power to give.
The songs of birds; the rain; the wide blue sky;
Perfume of lilac and the children's joy!
The healing of a dear one; the rich hope
And freer breath of one who knew but fear;
This precious understanding more of God;
The righteous thought which daily manifests
The all things to be added unto us.

The slow awakening of the wide world's need
For better brotherhood and lovelier ways;
The finding that a sigh can be a song,
Breaking the silence as the harpstrings move
At healing touch of some pure child of Thine.

And so my heart strains through each avenue
Of hope and faith to reach the ear divine
With prayer of treasure-laden gratitude.

The moments pass, and now the day's dull needs
Fretfully call as though to stay my prayer.
Each day's full needs! How cold and drab they seem,
Demanding yet my tireless energies!

Nay, Father, nay! I thank Thee for these hands
Of willing service; for the right to prove
Thy gift of true activity and love.
The irksome task of yesterday has grown
My Father's business of each blest today;
And every well-done service but a sign
Within my Father's household of His care.
And so no matter how life's duties call,
Or be it stress or in the silent way,
Father, to Thee I dedicate this day.

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