I'd never heard of, and certainly never heard in concert, this incredible lady. Susan Werner. A classically trained singer that, during a Nanci Griffith concert, decided she had a lot more to say than the arias and recitatives allowed. And I, for one, am really glad she switched gears. 'Cause I got to hear this, live in concert.
May I Suggest-Susan Werner
May I suggest
May I suggest to you
May I suggest this is the best part of your life
May I suggest
This time is blessed for you
This time is blessed and shining almost blinding bright
Just turn your head
And you'll begin to see
The thousand reasons that were just beyond your sight
The reasons why
Why I suggest to you
Why I suggest this is the best part of your life
There is a world
That's been addressed to you
Addressed to you, intended only for your eyes
A secret world
Like a treasure chest to you
Of private scenes and brilliant dreams that mesmerize
A tender lover's smile
A tiny baby's hands
The million stars that fill the turning sky at night
And I suggest
Yes I suggest to you
Oh I suggest this is the best part of your life
There is a hope
That's been expressed in you
The hope of seven generations, maybe more
And this is the faith
That they invest in you
It's that you'll do one better than was done before
Inside you know
Inside you understand
Inside you know what's yours to finally set right
And I suggest
Yes I suggest to you
I suggest this is the best part of your life
This is a song
Comes from the west to you
Comes from the west, comes from the slowly setting sun
With a request
With a request of you
To see how very short these endless days will run
And when they're gone
And when the dark descends
Oh we'd give anything for one more hour of light
And I suggest this is the best part of your life
Check it out on youtube. Susan Werner at the Kerrville Folk Festival.
Here's the thing. I think every season is supposed to be "the best part of your life." Because there's always beauty. There's always work to be done, and love to be had, and lessons to be learned. And if you believe in eternity, you look forward to the very best, forever and ever, with love beyond belief.
When I was 16, my royal blue $1200 VW bug, complete with handcranked sunroof, made many days the best part of my life. And the summer job I had in northwest Arkansas, at a beautiful camp, lifeguarding and playing piano and becoming a truer person thanks to good friends and even better mentors, and a God that knew I needed this time so badly. And of course, my old brown upright piano, completely out-of-tune, but a beautiful friend that offered me escape, anytime.
What makes today, as a middle aged mom with a lot left to learn, the best part of my life? I'll tell you.
This. After 20 years, we're finally figuring out what selflessness really looks like.
And this. I have been given two beautiful gifts I did not deserve.
And this. We get to mentor a special little lady that has filled our lives with joy and five-year-old wonder.
And this. I have been given the gift of true friendship, and have learned to be a friend in return.
And then there's this. These beautiful moms and babies have given life a different kind of meaning. Their courage inspires me daily.
Just a few of the things that qualify this season as the best. And I know the next season will be just as beautiful.
Thanks, Susan, for a new perspective. I like it a lot.
