Cornucopia

Thanks a Lot

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Last year, at this time, I shared my favorite Thanksgiving hymn. This time around, let’s go with a much humbler song, but one no less appropriate to the day:

Thanks a Lot

Thanks a lot
Thanks for the sun in the sky
Thanks a lot
Thanks for the clouds so high

Thanks a lot
Thanks for the whispering wind
Thanks a lot
Thanks for the birds in the spring

Thanks a lot
Thanks for the moonlit night
Thanks a lot
Thanks for the stars so bright

Thanks a lot
Thanks for wonder in me
Thanks a lot
Thanks for the way that I feel

Thanks for the animals
Thanks for the land
Thanks for the people everywhere
Thanks a lot
Thanks for all I’ve got
Thanks for all I’ve got

(Text and music by Raffi)

This song came into my head yesterday afternoon, as I was walking home from the office. I walked through the mostly empty campus, past the athletic field, past another street of faculty homes, through a stand of oak and pecan trees (featuring deep red leaves and bare branches), over a small creek than sometimes floods with rainwater, and down to our little home, with the lights on and Alison awake and ready to play. It was foggy and wet out, and turning cold; the few rays from the setting sun played on wisps of cloud hanging low. Inside it was warm and bright. It was a beautiful walk, which I’m lucky enough to be able to make every day. There’s a lot I’m lucky to have. A whole lot.

Happy Thanksgiving, to one and all.

2 comments for “Thanks a Lot”

  1. Russell,

    Your favorite Thanksgiving Hymn (linked) is a good one–gives a real sense of providence and of a people before God.

    It does remind me, in its own way, of Babette’s Feast which I would recommend as a good Thanksgiving Weekend video to anyone who wants something that fits the season.

  2. Russell,

    What a great song. Whenever we make long drives (like this week’s) Raffi is a must take CD. The kids love it and I do too. I certainly can’t say that about everything my children like.

    You know you’re a parent ( and perhaps even a good one when you enjoy the experience) when you find yourself humming their music or you find their toys in your pocket while at work.

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