America the Beautiful

Katharine Lee Bates (1859-1929) wrote, edited, and taught English in her native Massachusetts. Occasionally, she wrote hymns, too.
On a trip to Colorado, Bates was greatly impressed by amber waves of grain, fruited plains, and purple mountain majesties. She believed that God had definitely shed His grace all across this land. A visit to the summit of Pikes Peak inspired Bates to write her most famous poem-hymn, “America the Beautiful.”
Bates also realized that patriotism was an important part of America. She was grateful for heroes “who more than self their country loved and mercy more than life.” She wanted all Americans to realize how God had shed His grace on them and had crowned what was good “with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.”
As Bates expressed thankfulness to God for all she had experienced and been given, let us also thank the Lord for all He has allowed us to experience.  His grace and blessings abound all around us!