How Great Thou Art

Today is my dad’s birthday.  He was born 5-2-52, pretty neat, eh? 

As it’s the first birthday since he passed away, the question arises, “how do we celebrate this day?” 

What does the rulebook suggest?  Is it a happy day?  A sad day?  Both?  I don’t know.

This morning while driving to Aubree’s violin lesson, we were singing a variety of songs.  In honor of the occasion, I thought it would be appropriate to sing my dad’s favorite church song, “How Great Thou Art.”  

I have a theory that you can tell a lot about a person by their choice of favorite song, so as we sang, I pondered the words and considered what they might have meant to my dad.  As I did, I was suddenly struck by the realization that the progression of the verses paralleled my dad’s progression in testimony.

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My dad once explained to me his view of the Gospel.  He believed in God.  “Just look around,” he insisted, “God’s majesty and power is evident everywhere.” 

He appreciated the Church and felt that, "there was no better place or way to raise children.”

The first two verses of the song indicate this level of belief:

O Lord my God! when I in awesome wonder

Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder

Thy power throughout the universe displayed

When through the woods and forest glades I wander

And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees

When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur

And hear the brook, and feel the gentle breeze

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee

How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee

How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

Then came moments of deeper reflection and awareness - when Dad came to know for himself the necessity and power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  With a broken heart and a contrite spirit, he sought to turn his life over to his Savior.  The Gospel was no longer a “nice program,” but a means for personal salvation.

And when I think that God His Son not sparing

Sent Him to die- I scarce can take it in

That on the cross my burden gladly bearing

He bled and died to take away my sin

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee

How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee

How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

And finally, before he was able to make all the changes he fervently desired, his End came and he was called Home, imperfect but devout, to reunite with his beloved Redeemer.

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation

And take me home-what joy shall fill my heart!

Then shall I bow in humble adoration

And there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee

How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee

How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

Happy Birthday, Dad.  Thank you for teaching me that it’s never too late to change and for being willing to fight for your family and your faith.  You are not forgotten and I look forward to seeing you again.