Simple Gifts

Today is the birthday of Joseph Brackett, Jr. A Shaker in Maine, who is best known for his song, "Simple Gifts." The folk spiritual has been performed and adapted since its inception in the 19 Century into modern times, and even sung at three modern Presidential inaugurations.

Here are the words, penned by Joseph Brackett:

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gain'd,
To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,
To turn, turn will be our delight
'Till by turning, turning we come round right.

In fact, the song was written as a dance song -- but, too, it serves as a reminder of the gifts God has given. How many of our modern day problems come from all those things intended to make life easier? How often do we find ourselves in some sort of financial trouble because we are unable to simplify our own lives and pare down to what we really need? How many times is the still, quiet voice of God drowned out by the noise of our daily lives?

Of course, I'm not suggesting we give up on all forms of modern convenience. I am suggesting we sometimes rob ourselves of enjoying the simple gifts of God. Freedom to love and worship Him. Freedom from the burdens imposed by modern life. Freedom from the heavier burden of our own sin.

It's appropriate that such a reminder should come in the form of a dance song -- the melody of which, by the way, has been adapted into a perhaps even more well-known song in recent years: "The Lord of the Dance." When we accept the freedom Christ has come to offer, we give up the burden of our sinful natures. And with that weight off our own shoulders, we are free to dance in worship to our Savior who has removed it.