One cannot really say it is a good and well-trained choir;
to sing the loudest is the aim to which they all aspire…
They disregard harmonic laws – sometimes they’re not in tune –
and yet they give a grand performance every afternoon.
The twitter of the sparrow and the robin’s chirpy note –
the harsh metallic squawking from the starling’s shining throat;
and from the elms the noisy rooks demand to have a part
(it’s certain they will never master singing as an art).
They all strike up a different theme; they sing just what they please…
They trill and pipe and whistle from their choir-stalls in the trees…
And here’s a lesson to be learnt – it’s just occurred to me –
If birds can sing in winter-time – well then, why shouldn’t we?
~ Patience Strong, The quiet hour ~
Psalm 34
1 A Psalm of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed. I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His Name together.
Psalm 100
1 A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His Name. 5 For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.
