More than we deserve

Our friend Fred sent this via email and I thought it was appropriate for Thanksgiving.  The quote  is from Robert R. Walsh, Noisy Stones.

More Than We Deserve    I heard the Second Brandenburg Concerto played in honor of Bach’s 300th birthday, and was swept away. I remembered a story about the people who send messages into outer space. Someone suggested sending a piece by Bach.

The reply was, “But that would be bragging.”

Some say we get what we deserve in life, but I don’t believe it. We certainly don’t deserve Bach. What have I done to deserve the Second Brandenburg Concerto? I have not been kind enough; I have not done enough justice; I have not loved my neighbour, or myself, sufficiently; I have not praised God enough to have earned a gift like this.

Life is a gift we have not earned and for which we cannot pay. There is no necessity that there be a universe, no inevitability about a world moving toward life and then self-consciousness. There might have been …. nothing at all.

Since we have not earned Bach, or crocuses, or lovers, the best we can do is express our gratitude for the undeserved gifts, and do our share of the work of creation.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

And for those friends who like their Thanksgiving on the lighter side:

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!