This is My Father's World . . .

and to my listening ears . . .

all nature sings, and round me rings . . .

the music of the spheres.

This is my Father’s world . . .

I rest me in the thought . . .

 

of rocks and trees, of skies and seas . . .

His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world . . .

the birds their carols raise . . .

the morning light, the lily white . . .

declare their Maker’s praise.

This is my Father’s world . . .

He shines in all that’s fair . . .

in the rustling grass, I hear Him pass . . .

He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father’s world . . .

O, let me ne’er forget . . .

that though the wrong seems oft so strong . . .

God is the Ruler yet.

This is my Father’s world . . .

The battle is not done . . .

Jesus, who died, shall be satisfied . . .

and earth and heaven be one.

 

Perhaps it’s a bit odd that a traditional hymn would strike me as the perfect soundtrack to a week spent on the road with an abolitionist folk-rock band. But if you’d been there, I’m sure you’d completely understand. Our Father met us everywhere. In the beauty of creation, the mystery of music, the health of our bodies, and the hospitality of the saints. He met us with safety, with provision, with friendship, with wonder. We walked the streets with the hopeless, and we stood shoulder to shoulder with those who are fighting for justice.

I love Jubilee’s motto: “Doing what we love to undo what we hate.” Making music to set the captives free. No, the battle is not done, but this is our Father’s world. And though the wrong seems oft so strong, He rules and reigns in righteousness. Let the heavens and earth rejoice.

Adding to my list of one thousand gifts:

#17. Safe travel for nine people in three vehicles all the way from Seattle to Santa Cruz and back.
#18. Building new friendships and deepening old ones.
#19. Passionate people working together to rescue the oppressed.
#20. Sunshine and short sleeves in January.
#21. Snow-covered mountains so glorious you can almost hear them breaking forth into shouts of joy.
#22. Perfect harmony, both in music and in laughter.

 

* * *

Links:

Lots more photos from Jubilee’s West Coast Tour:
Album One
Album Two
BONUS: A playful video montage from footage Grace shot during the tour. Super fun.

Visit Ann Voskamp’s site to join in Multitudes on Mondays: One Thousand Gifts

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