Today, all your duties with patience fulfill
Today, while the birds sing, harbor no care;
Call life a good gift; call the world fair.
The last line says, "Prepare for tomorrow by working today."
This has always been a morning hymn to me; another hymn that I love is There is Sunshine in My Soul Today.
(Being a native to the valley, I don't appreciate sunshine as much as friends who don't live here. I wait for summer to be over and I love the few months that I don't have to stress about my A/C bill!
I wish for rain, I pray for rain, and I cherish the rain. I love that it makes the ground soft. I love that it helps plants grow. I am in awe of thunder and lightning, I am grateful when the newscasters say it's going to rain and it does. I'm happiest when the sky is overcast and gloomy; I'm like Eeyore.)
HOWEVER...
I think the reason that these songs are my favorites is because it's talking about the soul. I find that when I sing these songs, I feel loved. I feel calmed and reassured that the Savior is closer than we know. I'm happy because they make me feel like the work that I am doing in my home is not futile nor is it worthless. These hymns make me feel like smiling and more willing to serve others around me. I was told in my blessing that I need to start the day with a song, and I find that these two are particularly dear to my heart.
I usually end my day with a song also. The top 3 for that are Abide with Me - the long one, The Army of Helaman, and I Need the Every Hour. There are other hymns that I sing, but Abide with Me really is the best one to end the day with. It makes me fall asleep as I remember that regardless of how the day went, I am not alone; that He is always aware of me and my needs.
Be Still My Soul will always be the song that I link to my dear little one Olivia. It's amazing how much this song calms my soul when I think about Olivia's future. I know that the Lord is in charge and I'm grateful for the little things. I'm blessed to have a child who teaches me to slow down!
