As we stride ever onward, now into a summer that promises to be one like we have never experienced before, we continue to take a moment each day with music. Throughout these next few months, look for some more offbeat choices, many more of your own community selections and comments, and as ever, a little injection of faith, hope, and love into your day.
Got a song you just love? Email musicwppc@gmail.com to tell Jeff about it!
Read...
Every now and then there is a very special day, not because of the date or some spectacular pending or past event, but simply because you wake up, and your first thought is gratitude. Even when things could be a whole lot better, from the tiny to the overwhelmingly huge aspects of being a human alive on Earth today, I find it undeniable sometimes that I am deeply and truly blessed, and I have no choice but to lift up my arms and say to the sky, “Thank You.”
Ann Hampton Callaway is among the top tier of matriarchs of the New York jazz and cabaret scene, although she’s probably most widely recognizable for her theme song for the sitcom “The Nanny.” Her talent is immense, and her stage presence is big and warm. I had the pleasure and honor of spending an evening with her in concert and after-party several years ago, and she could not have been a kinder, more authentic host for both. She sang this song, one that has meant a lot to me for many years both before and since. Last November, she shared this video of it for the Thanksgiving holiday - quite appropriate, although it’s not explicitly what the song was written for. I love that she is just at home, not making a big production of it. As I sit this morning with a smile I can’t exactly explain and certainly can’t wipe off my tear-tracked face, Ann’s warmth is just the thing, befitting such a beautiful pairing of words and music by John Bucchino. No matter where this sentiment meets you today, may it be a moment of relief and joy for us all.
I’ve got a roof over my head
I’ve got a warm place to sleep
Some nights I lie awake counting gifts instead of counting sheep
I’ve got a heart that can hold love
I’ve got a mind that can think
There may be times when I lose the light and let my spirit sink
But I can’t stay depressed when I remember how I’m blessed
Grateful, grateful, truly grateful I am
Grateful, grateful, truly blessed and duly grateful
In a city of strangers
I’ve got a family of friends
No matter what rocks and brambles fill the way,
I know that they will stay until the end
I feel a hand holding my hand
It’s not a hand you can see
But on the road to the promised land
This hand will shepherd me
Through delight and despair
Holding tight and always there
It’s not that I don’t want a lot
Or hope for more or dream of more
But giving thanks for what I’ve got
Makes me so much happier than keeping score
In a world that bring pain, I will still take each chance
For I believe that whatever the terrain
Our feet can learn to dance
Whatever stone life may sling
We can moan, or we can sing
Truly blessed, and duly grateful
Listen...
Pray...
Holy One, Thank you.
We also lift up the following prayers shared during last Sunday's worship service:
For Carolyn's mom's elderly housing unit is being closed and many people need to find new places to live.
Even in our separation, God, help us to feel the deep delight of your love for all. Amen.