How Can I Keep From Singing

Some of you may know that this year didn't start out too great for me. Some unexpected things happened, things I wasn't ready for, and my initial reaction was less than positive.

Fortunately for me, and any with whom I've come in contact, that reaction didn't last long. I have experienced a broad range of emotion, but undeniably, it's the peace and absolute happiness that has been all consuming the last few weeks.

While there have been rough days, angry moments, and too many tears shed to count, I have come out of it all a better person. I have been reminded on countless occasions that He who knows all is very much aware of me. I have had opportunity to ponder and study about things that have increased my understanding. My life has been filled with people and opportunities this last little while that have increased my happiness and strengthened me. For this I am grateful.

There is a song that I love that describes how I feel. We love to sing it as a family, which provides added strength to that which already comes from the lyrics. It's a traditional 19th century song and it's unknown who wrote it. But the words are powerful.

My life flows on in endless song; above earth's lamentation
I hear the sweet, though far off hymn that hails a new creation.

What though my joys and comforts die? My Savior Jesus liveth!
What though the darkness gather round? Songs in the night he giveth!

No storm can shake my inmost calm while to my hope I'm clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?

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?

Through all the tumult and the strife I hear the music ringing;
It finds and echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing?

I've found myself unable to keep from singing as the blessings of my life have become so much more apparent than the grief. For that, too, I am grateful!