Calon Lan

It is my grandfather's funeral tomorrow.

My brother's post as he said goodbye sums up the mood of the family rather well.

I prepared the order of service. It is a bit weird, because working as Church administrator for several years I have prepared several. This time it was my own family. My own grandfather. It actually felt slightly therapeutic to be able to contribute something so practical to the day.

Well anyway, as I was typing up an old welsh hymn grandma wanted I was really wondering what the english words were. I wanted to know why this hymn was chosen for my grandad.

Hymn : CALON LÂN
Nid wy’n gofyn bywyd moethus,
Aur y byd na’i berlau mân
Gofyn rwyf am galon hapus,
Calon onest, calon lân.

(Chorus)
Calon lân yn llawn daioni,
Tecach yw na’r lili dlos,
‘Does ond calon lân all ganu,
Canu’r dydd a chanu’r nos.

Pe dymunwn olud bydol,
Chwin adenydd iddo sydd:
Golud calon lân rinweddol
Yn dwyn bythol elw fydd

Hwyr a bore fy nymuniad,
Esgyn ar adenydd cân,
Ar I Dduw, er mwyn fy Ngheidwad,
Roddi imi galon lân

Well that is all well and good but frankly it would have been better for me in tongues because at least the Holy Spirit gives me some hope of an interpretation!

I have since found a translation, and here it is, nothing could be a better reflection of my grandad!

The friendly chap from the north wales village who did the simple things well and did everything simply. Thanks Grandad.

A PURE HEART

I seek not a life of riches,
earthly gold or finest pearls
All I seek is a heart that is happy,
A heart that is honest, a heart that is pure

CHORUS
A heart that is pure and full of goodness,
Fairer than the beautiful lily;
Only a heart that is pure can sing,
Sing by day and sing by night

Were I to cherish earthly riches,
They are swift and fleet of wing:
a heart pure and virtuous
riches and eternal gain will bring

Night and morning does my longing
rise aloft on wings of song
that God, for the sake of my Saviour,
grant me a heart that is pure