I took my first walk outdoors after church today. It was the first time I have had to walk since the Canadian wild fires broke out of control and covered our nation with non-breathable air. As I walked through the neighborhood, I heard the words of, “O Beautiful for Spacious Skies,” in mind’s heart. Many Americans have never been out of this country, but I have, and let me tell you, we are such a beautiful country when we don’t let anger, racism, hatred, greed, and violence to destroy our minds and actions. I offer a paraphrase of this beautiful song.
O Beautiful for Spacious Skies
America is covered by abundant blue skies, and our fields are filled with many grains of wheat.
America has majestic purple mountains, and we have abundant harvests of fruit.
From the Atlantic to the Pacific, America needs God’s grace, and every American is our brother.
America was built by passionate pilgrims from many lands, and the land was colored by their stressed blood in conflicts.
American pioneers heard the beat of freedom in every town, city, and pristine wilderness area.
From every home and every struggling hamlet, America needs God to heal all her flaws, and no one is above the law.
America has shed its blood both here and abroad, and our heroes fought valiantly for all.
America is grateful for every soldier who loved country more than themselves and paid courageously for the right of mercy for all.
From every plain, every stream, and every mountain, America asks God to refine us in His hands and to make noble the successes and divine the gains.
Anna Hartt
Text by Katherine L. Bates (1859-1929)- Zion Lutheran Church, Shawano, Wisconsin. bulletin-July 2, 2023
