This past weekend saw the beginnings of my preparation for the Thanksgiving holiday. As I dashed from store to store gathering necessary ingredients and staples, I thought back to my childhood years when my brothers and I would help my father with the outdoor chores. This involved picking up twigs, raking the leaves, trimming the hedges and getting the garden ready for winter. My youngest brother would always make up his own words to the old holiday standard, Bringing in the Sheaves. His version went something like "Raking up the leaves, Raking up the leaves, This is so boring, I find it so abhorring". When we finally finished our tasks, we were rewarded with lots of goodies.
As we enjoy our family and relish our leisure time, we realize how lucky we are. Listening to music provides comfort, reflection and relaxation. Be sure to come to the library to sample our CD holdings. Suggestions that will elevate and entertain your spirits include Dave Brubeck's Shine on Harvest Moon, Placido Domingo's Gratitude, Josh Groban's Thankful, Paul McCartney's Gratitude and Hap Palmer's Things I'm Thankful For.
Here are the real verses to Bringing in the Sheaves - Knowles Shaw
Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness,
Sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve;
Waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Refrain:
Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves;
Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Sowing in the sunshine, sowing in the shadows,
Fearing neither clouds nor winter’s chilling breeze;
By and by the harvest, and the labor ended,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Going forth with weeping, sowing for the Master,
Though the loss sustained our spirit often grieves;
When our weeping’s over, He will bid us welcome,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
