Reflections of Life

Maltbie Babcock could have been a success in any field he chose but God called him into the ministry and training at Auburn Theological Seminary. After graduation he pastored at the First Presbyterian Church of Lockport, New York.

In this beautiful area near Niagara Falls he enjoyed hiking and running…telling his secretary he was going to see his Father’s world, off he’d go into the pristine, natural beauty of the countryside.

It was during this time that he composed a 16 stanza poem entitled “This is My Father’s World”. Shortly after his death in 1901 from a bacterial fever at age 42, Maltbie Babcock’s widow published a compilation of his writings entitled “Thoughts for Everyday Living”. “This is my Father’s World” was included.

The psalmist, the poet and the songwriter understand best what Maltbie wrote about because they, more so than others perhaps, are so attuned to the intricasies and almost poetic balance that manifests itself it God’s creation – From the cooing of the whippoorwill to the gentle brush of the wind flowing across an open field of grain…From the rhythmic timing of the waves lashing against a lonely island seashore to the distant thunder of a summertime shower…And from the blue, dim light of a sunrise yet to come to the warmth and peaceful splendor of a sunlit meadow drenched in the flowered colors of the rainbow…Our senses are awash with beauty…Our lives are enriched…And the works of His hands are glorified!

So, the next time you’re alone in nature, be still and ask yourself…Can I hear it???...Because if you can…God is speaking to you as only He can! ❤

07.04.2021 13:06

Tim Snider

Thank you Martha...It blesses my heart too!

13.10.2019 00:16

Tim Snider

Yes it is Jessie...Thank you!

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23.04 | 23:13

When I was a littlr girl I enjnoyed the sunrise until the fog had totaly lifted and I could see no