A grateful heart (George Herbert)

  Thou that hast given so much to me, 

Give one thing more, – a grateful heart. 

See how Thy beggar works on Thee 

                                                                        By art: 

  

He makes Thy gifts occasion more, 

And says – If he in this be crost, 

All Thou has given him heretofore 

                                                                        Is lost. 

  

But Thou didst reckon, when at first 

Thy Word our hearts and hands did crave, 

What it would come to at the worst 

                                                                        To save. 

  

Perpetual knockings at Thy door, 

Tears sullying Thy transparent rooms, 

Gift upon gift, much would have more, 

                                                                        And comes. 

  

This notwithstanding, thou went’st on, 

And didst allow us all our noise; 

Nay, Thou hast made a sigh and groan, 

                                                                        Thy joys. 

Not that Thou hast not still above 

Much better tunes than groans can make, 

But that these country airs Thy love 

                                                                        Did take. 

Wherefore I cry, and cry again; 

And in no quiet canst Thou be, 

Till I a thankful heart obtain 

                                                                        Of Thee. 

Not thankful when it pleaseth me, – 

As if Thy blessings had spare days, – 

But such a heart, whose pulse may be 

                                                                        Thy praise. 

–George Herbert (1593-1633)

Happy Thanksgiving from 

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mill Valley!
May our grateful hearts pulse 
always with God's praise!

Image source:  Flower Guild of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mill Valley