for carol

Not oft enough do i sit and rest
and count the ways in which i'm blessed
and look around at where i'm planted
and see i take so much for granted
when a thought intrudes upon my mind
and i feel that i am so inclined
to lift my hand as i'm impelled to do
and write a birthday prayer for you

a prayer for love and lengthened days
for mercy, peace and eternal grace
for strength when weakness does abound
for comfort when you're feeling down
may His light precede you every day
may His hand uphold you in every way
may you sit reclined within His rest
and know -
you are Highly favoured and greatly blessed.