I remember what it's like to look across a meadow,
Where the grass is green, and the meadow lark sings
And the wild flowers spread their petals.
I remember what it's like to look across a cotton field,
To watch the boles open wide
And to anticipate their yield.
I remember what it's like to pull a pick sack,
And to fill it for the scales.
And to eagerly wait for payday after we harvested each bale.
I remember what it's like to drive out through the mountains
To see the brightly colored leaves
Looking like a bouquet of chrysanthemums.
I remember what it's like to look up on a starry night,
To find the Big and Little Dippers
And the Milky Way so bright.
I remember what it's like to stand beside the ocean,
And see the ships so far away,
You could scarcely see their motion.
And as I scanned that great expanse,
What rapture filled my heart!
And it began to sing, "My God, how great Thou art."
I remember what it's like to look into the eyes of a caring man,
And to stand by his side to hear him whisper,
"I love you" as I became his bride.
I remember what it's like to hold each newborn baby,
And to look into its face as it came into our family
And quietly took its place.
Not knowing then, that when I welcome my great-grands
I'd see them only by the touch of their face and hands.
I remember what it's like to open up God's Word,
To daily search the scriptures
For a message from the Lord.
Now I thank God,
As I bow my head,
For any opportunity to hear His Word read.
O dear people, listen to me,
Thank God every day for what you can see.
For some day, you, too may be seeing only in memory.
-- Mary Wheeler