What a beautiful winter morning – cold and windy but sunny. The cardinals, chickadees, and finches are enjoying their breakfast at my three feeders. I thought of and then sang a song that I learned as a child:

All creatures of our God and King; Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam; Thou silver moon with softer gleam!

O praise Him! O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong; Ye clouds that sail in Heaven along,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising moon, in praise rejoice; Ye lights of evening, find a voice!

O praise Him! O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou flowing water, pure and clear; Make music for thy Lord to hear,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright, That givest man both warmth and light.

O praise Him! O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Dear mother earth, who day by day; Unfoldest blessings on our way,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow; Let them His glory also show.

O praise Him! O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

And all ye men of tender heart; Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear; Praise God and on Him cast your care!

O praise Him! O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Let all things their Creator bless; And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son; And praise the Spirit, Three in One!

O praise Him! O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Recently I learned that singing is a great brain and physical boost. Researchers found that singing lowers stress levels, improves immunity and mood, reduces tension, and may even help to improve memory. Singing in a choir or with friends helps to build self-esteem and even allays loneliness. Amazing! No wonder the birds sing.

In others studies, researchers found that just listening to music can ease pain, decrease recovery time following surgery, be a motivator in exercise, improve quality of sleep, increase blood flow in the body, reduce stress, improve cognitive ability and mood, and decrease depression.

With all the stress in our lives, we need to take advantage of every bit of help. So, I’ve decided to sing more. It may not be beautiful, but it will be beneficial.