This weekly column writing endeavor is often done in the early morning hours.

The gift of another day, and that’s what it is — a gift. This is something that grows ever more precious, for this aging process lets one know there is going to be an end of it. The natural order of things, I often say.

One can’t help but reflect upon the journey. In gratitude. “What have I ever done, to deserve even one …” as Kris Kristofferson wrote and sang. You know the words. That song writer, singer, actor,  West Point graduate — “got it.” Oh, yes.

Well now, I feel the same way. I could hardly begin to count, to name, the myriad blessings I’ve known in my almost 80 years here on this spinning orb. This planet all of us — regardless of age, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, culture, political perspective — share. This place in the vast universe, cosmos and even space beyond comprehension, we call home.

One of the things for which I am most grateful is my love of music. Now, I’m no musician, let me quickly say. Nor am I endowed with anything even close to exceptional musical skills. I just love singing. Always have. Especially do I love singing and hearing music that is all about harmony, especially done in the four-part a cappella form. It touches me in a way that I can only inadequately attempt to put into words.

Let me also say, however, that my musical tastes are quite varied, to include many genres. From country (some of it) to classical (some of it) and so much more. So very much more.

I must confess, however, that I am not familiar at all with most of today’s popular music. This isn’t to discount its appeal, it’s just that I never really actually hear much of it at all. And that’s quite enough about that, of course.

As a child, even as a child, I liked the “old” songs. The pretty ones. There was one song, I remember, that my father would sing. Melodic, with a very sweet message. I loved it too. Still do. Done in four-part harmony — or with instrumental accompaniment — it is both beautiful and haunting.

So. Let me leave you with:

 

“Let the Rest of the World Go By”

 

With someone like you,

A pal so good and true,

I’d like to leave it all behind,

And go and find

Some place that’s known

To God alone

Just a spot to call our own . . .

We’ll find perfect peace,

Where joys never cease,

And there beneath a cloudless sky . . .

We’ll build a sweet little nest

Somewhere out in the West,

And let the rest of the world go by.