MTC #181 - Father

I don't have a lot to report this week, in regards to my experience in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, since I was spending some time with my family and extended family at Bear Lake from Wed-Sat (thus missing Thursday's rehearsal). As I went to Music & the Spoken Word this morning, my normal view of looking out at the audience was replaced with the view as shown below.

The Choir rehearing before the broadcast

The Choir after the broadcast was over

While it pains me when I can't actually sing with the choir, it was nice to sit and listen. Today's program was all about Fathers, and there was one song in particular that I really enjoyed. It was a new song, specifically given to the MoTab to perform today, and both the words and music were really nice. The song's point of view progressed from being a child and being influenced by a father, to being a father yourself, and then ended with the relationship we have with our Heavenly Father.  Here are the words:

FATHER (by R. Ross Boothe)
 
Today I still remember every smile
Each tender word, each strong embrace.
Each treasured step down life's dusty mile,
Dearest father.
Your patient kindness as I learned to see;
Your steady voice of truth and love;
Devoted faith in who I could be, 
Dearest father.
 
But seasons come, and seasons go, and every year I see: my deep regard for you has grown. Your love abides in me.

Today I still remember every face;
Each tiny hand enclosed in mine;
The sacred blessing of each new day
As a father.
The joy of seeing every child grow;
The peace of teaching them God's word;
The light of faith in their hearts aglow; 
As a father.

Still every day, my mind expands, as now I've come to see
That I can love as father here, because Someone loves me.

Today I raise my voice and lift my eyes
To follow, honor and obey;
In praise of all that Thy love provides, 
Holy Father!

In all the earth and sky we see Thy hand.
In every breath Thy grace is known.
For every life glorifies Thy plan, 
Holy Father!

So on this day we give thanks
For all that Thou hast given.
And in our hearts, Thy praise impart
For every joy we live.
Today I still remember Heaven's love;
Each hour of life, each golden day,
Has been a gift from our God above, 
Dearest Father.
As a father.
Holy Father.
Father.   

Nice, huh? I would encourage you to give it a listen today.

I'm grateful for my own father who certainly did, as the song says, have a voice of truth and love that I listened to as I grew from boy to man. I'm also grateful I've been given the opportunity to be a father myself. It's been more rewarding and inspiring than I could ever express. And I'm so grateful for my Heavenly Father who I know loves me and who blesses me to fulfill all of the wonderful roles I get to play here on earth. 

Until next time, God be with you.