THANKFULNESS MY God, I thank Thee who hast made The Earth so bright; So full of splendour and of joy, Beauty and light; So many glorious things are here, Noble and right! I thank Thee, too, that Thou hast made Joy to abound; So many gentle thoughts and deeds Circling us round, That in the darkest spot of Earth Some love is found. I thank Thee more that all our joy Is touched with pain; That shadows fall on brightest hours; That thorns remain; So that Earth's bliss may be our guide, And not our chain. I thank Thee, Lord, that Thou hast kept The best in store; We have enough, yet not too much To long for more: A yearning for a deeper peace, Not known before. I thank Thee, Lord, that here our souls, Though amply blest, Can never find, although they seek, A perfect rest— Nor ever shall, until they lean On Jesus' breast! -------------by Adelaide Anne Procter,

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Father Anthony "Tony" Gurnell June 11, 1929- July 5, 2007 Reading "Thankfulness" by Adelaide Anne Procter, British Poet, 1825-1864 June 20, 2007 1.27 Minutes Recorded by Robert Matthews (rmathews75@hotmail.com) (download mp3) If you are moved by this poem, please remember Father Tony's favorite charity that supports Catholic youth Christo Rey High School (Joan Evans, 6200 McMahon Dr, Sacramento, CA 95824) and our own Presentation Parish School 3100 Norris Ave, Sacramento, CA 95821