From the recording East on Eden's Road
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” John F. Kennedy
“He is incapable of a truly good action who finds not pleasure in contemplating the good actions of others.” –John Casper Lavater (1741-1801)
Appreciation is Honest, Heartfelt, and Precise. More than simply thankfulness (though there is nothing wrong with that) appreciation is a recognition of how a person or event has helped shape our life - giving new direction or improving one's condition.
Lyrics
East On Eden’s Road
Words and music by Richard Hill
Child was a-traveling, east on Eden’s road
Happened ‘pon an old man, walking slow but bold
Where are you goin’, old man, can I walk a while
And have you got a gift you might give an eager child?
He reached into his pocket, pulled out a watch and chain
Gave it to the child with the warning of a sage
If Time it be your enemy, then even hope is dead
But Cherish every moment and Time’ll be your friend
Child was a-traveling, east on Eden’s road
Happened ‘pon a young girl dancing lightly on
Where are you goin’, young girl, can I dance a while
And have you got a gift you might give a wondering child?
She reached into her bonnet, pulled out a blossom fair
Gave it to the child and whispered as a prayer
Beauty’s in a flower, beauty’s in a stone
In moments or in monuments, seek the truth alone
Child was a-traveling, east on Eden’s road
Happened ‘pon a beggar man bent beneath his load
Where are you goin’, beggarman, can I carry for a while
And have you got a gift you might give a hungry child?
He reached into his sack, pulled out a walnut burl
Gave it to the child with a firm but gentle word
Living is like carving, you make it what you see
As wood is shaped by steel so life is shaped by dreams.
The Child now is older and further down the road
Destination closer, but still a ways to go
Sometimes the journey’s rocky, sometimes it winds and bends
Sometimes the child is lonely, sometimes enclosed with friends
Every one encountered has a gift to share
The gracious heart receives them, as a jewel rare
We may not know the pathway, what lies to right or left
But heroes gone before us encourage every step.