I've missed a lot of chuch lately, for a variety of reasons. I was especially grieved over missing the March 20th service when Rev. Briere discussed "Buddhism in 20 minutes." Now, having received the text of the service, I find that I missed singing off-key along with one of my favorite hymns. I know it as an Enya song from the album Shepherd's Moons, but it is apparently an old shaker hymn, entitled "How Can I Keep From Singing?" The Shakers were a grim lot, but this particular hymn is kind of uplifting. To me, anyway. Lyrics are below the fold... Sing along.

My life goes on in endless song
Above earth's lamentations,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
That hails a new creation.

Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear it's music ringing,
It sounds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?

While though the tempest loudly roars,
I hear the truth, it liveth.
And though the darkness 'round me close,
Songs in the night it giveth.

No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that rock I'm clinging.
Since love is lord of heaven and earth
How can I keep from singing?

When tyrants tremble in their fear
And hear their death knell ringing,
When friends rejoice both far and near
How can I keep from singing?

In prison cell and dungeon vile
Our thoughts to them are winging,
When friends by shame are undefiled
How can I keep from singing?

I don't know what became of my copy of Shepherd's Moons, but I do plan to replace it, post haste.