Simplicity...

Simple Gifts...

'Tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free,
'tis a gift to come down where we ought to be;
and where we find ourselves in a place just right
it will be in the valley of love and delight!

When true simplicity is gained,
to love and to learn we will not be ashamed,
to turn to turn will be our delight
and by turning, turning we'll come round right.

'Tis a gift to be gentle, 'tis a gift to be fair,
'tis a gift to wake and breathe the morning air,
to walk every day down the path that we choose
'tis a gift we pray we may never lose.

When true simplicity is gained...

'Tis a gift to be knowing, 'tis a gift to be kind,
'tis a gift to wait and hear each other's mind,
and when we speak our feeling it may come out true
'tis a gift for me and a gift for you.

When true simplicity is gained...

'Tis a gift to be loving, 'tis the best gift of all,
like a warm spring rain bringing beauty when it falls,
and when we use this gift we may come to believe
it is better to give than it is to receive.
When true simplicity is gained...

Shaker Elder Joseph Bracket, Jr. - 1848