God Signs His Name

by Cactus Eater Bear

“It’s too high! I’m going to fall through!!”

“You won’t fall through. It’s perfectly safe.”

“It’s too high!! I don’t want to try it. Are you sure I won’t fall through?”

“I really want you to try it, okay?  Just go slowly and I promise you’ll be safe.”

In her defense it was high, and it was a rope bridge. I’ve never seen a rope bridge on a children’s playground, let alone one that was out of reach for an adult standing below it. When she apprehensively took her first step onto the bridge, she smiled a bright smile. Her posture went from timid to relaxed and pleased in the span of one step.

This was a scene from a series of fortunate events yesterday. I met my friend and her kids at a really cool park; multiple playgrounds, wooded, expansive, yet fairly hidden from the city.  The kids named it Rivendell.  While the kids were playing my friend, April, explained that her daughter, Emma, was unsure of herself because of physical difficulties she faced when she was small. April took every opportunity to push Emma past her comfort zone.

We went from playground to playground in Rivendell and came upon a stage. Emma announced that we should put on a show. We tried some impromptu dancing, but Emma thought we needed something more recital-like.  April said, “She loves to perform. I get terrible stage fright when I perform on my own. Oh! Emma, why don’t you sing the song you wrote?!” Emma thought that was a good idea but asked for help with the bridge since it was the newest part of the song.

Okay ya’ll, this child wrote a song with a chorus and a bridge.  Voice clear and bright, no sense of timidity, and a little help from her mama, Emma sang her song titled God Signs His Name:

“The ocean waves go crashing on the shore;
A kitten purrs, so soft it’s hard to hear;
The thunder in the clouds, the rain that pours:
When I listen to these sounds, I can tell my Lord is near!

Chorus: God signs His name
In everything I hear and see.
He fills the world around me
With flowers, rocks, and tall green trees.
God signs His name
In the rivers flowing wide,
In the mountains rising high;
They point up to the sky.
Not even every snowflake is the same!
In each of them, my God has signed His name!

A spider weaves a web like fancy lace;
Tiny lines appear on every leaf;
My puppy’s big brown eyes light up his face:
When I look at all these things, it only strengthens my belief!

Chorus

Bridge: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name
In all the earth! Your glory fills the heavens!
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name
In all the earth! Your glory fills the heavens!

Chorus

In each of them, my God has signed His name!”
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Full disclosure:  Emma did not up-and-write a song on her own. It’s part of her schooling. Her mom and teacher helped with it and it took her a semester of work to write it.  I mean, but still…   It’s difficult to describe how pretty the tune is, but the innocence, honesty, and beauty of the lyrics are a fair representation.

Teacup philosophical takeaways:
1. When God, a parent, or other trusted source urges you to push the boundaries of your comfort zone it’s for your benefit.
2. If you are anxious about an activity, the anxiety is a good indication that it’s an activity worth attempting.
3. A delicate person has a greater chance of surprising you with their strength(s) than someone who is sure-footed.
4. Rivendell is where you look for it.

Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers sum it up best:  Life is grand, love is real, and beauty is everywhere.

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