When I think of Wales, I think of beautiful scenery like the photograph to the left. Since the hymn's author was born and also died in the same town in Wales during the 1700's, I can't imagine that he traveled much. When he mentions the barren land in verse 1, I wonder what he saw of a barren land while in Wales. Perhaps, he was able to think of winter, or other types of barrenness (eg. empty hearts, empty wombs).
As the kids and I sing the words to this hymn in school through the course of this week, I've been picturing the rolling green hills of my Welsh ancestors, and giving thanks for the 18th century preacher who can make my heart ponder God's grace, some 250 years later.
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