Do some good

One of the hymns we sing at church is called  "Have I done any good?" It is one of my absolute favorite hymns. The message just touches my heart. I have had it running through my head the last few days. I can't find a version that is exactly what I would like to share with you, but this is the closest I can find.

My kids love it. It is a bit more dramatic than I was looking for.


Here are the lyrics-

1. Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.
Has anyone’s burden been lighter today
Because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?

[Chorus]
Then wake up and do something more
Than dream of your mansion above.
Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,
A blessing of duty and love.

2. There are chances for work all around just now,
Opportunities right in our way.
Do not let them pass by, saying, “Sometime I’ll try,”
But go and do something today.
’Tis noble of man to work and to give;
Love’s labor has merit alone.
Only he who does something helps others to live.
To God each good work will be known.

I love this song.

The chain of logic

This morning Phebe "woke" me up at 6:30 to tell me she had a tick in her hair. Being the good mom that I am I touched her head in a vain effort to find it and informed her I would get to it later when I was actually conscious.

Ethan got up a bit later and I found them in the kitchen wrapping a wood tick up in tape that had indeed come off of her head. I gave her a high five for telling us she had a tick. Then she gave us this monologue.

"Yea, we have to get the tick out of my head or all my hair would fall out. And then I would turn into a boy.                  And then I would have to wear boy clothes."

I guess the threat of wearing boy clothes was a pretty serious issue weighing on her mind. She seemed genuinely concerned about the prospect. Luckily the crisis was averted.

The deepest fear.

Last night we were having a discussion based on the principle " if ye prepare ye shall not fear". So we started by asking if the kids had ever felt fear, have you ever been afraid.
Of course they have all been afraid at some point and could relate to the feeling. The older three discussed specific situations with Ethan. Phebe was sitting on my lap and turned to tell me about her fear.

Phebe: know what I'm afraid of Mom?
Me: no Phebe, what are you afraid of?
Phebe: porcupines.
Me: oh, I didn't know that.
Phebe : are you afraid of porcupines?
Me: I can't say I am afraid of them, no.
Phebe : Well, I am. I am afraid of porcupines.



And no, I have no explanation as to why she has singled out porcupines to be scary.