For the Wild Beauty of the Earth
For the beauty of the earth, / for the beauty of the skies, / for the love which from our birth over and around us lies. / Christ, our Lord, to you we raise this, / our hymn of grateful praise.
It could have been an ordinary Friday afternoon, but it wasn’t!
What made it extraordinary was 30 minutes of unbridled creative expression — wild, free, and playful—all to the glory of God.
The opportunity began rather innocently, when I received an invitation to work with a group of kindergarteners, wanting to dance for chapel. Imagine, a group of 5-yr old children requesting to dance as prayer! But, of course, children get that reverence can happen through movement, through their bodies.
Anyway, when I met them, my introduction was brief for they already knew what sacred dance was. My improvised demonstration of the words, “swing, sway, swirl and stillness” promptly led to their excited participation — a collective, spontaneous dance — as I added levels, speed, and a variety of directions. They were accompanied by fellow drummers and their music teacher. What more could anyone ask for on a Friday afternoon?
Of course some children had other ideas that could be added; this was the first practice! That’s the creative process, starting with a few rhythmic elements and then adding on until there is a common knowing the danced prayer is complete. What will it look like in a few weeks? I haven’t a clue! But, hopefully they will retain the contribution from a student to bring the movement prayer to closurr, with the gesture of placing the hands in the shape of a heart over the heart and lifting the shape upward as they turn to face the altar and bow.
Ah, sweet, child-like joy. My soul is still singing. To witness the gift of the process of creation for the youngsters made it a wildly expressive Friday. . . laughter, dance, music, and song. What could be a more beautiful touchstone for entry into a season of hope.
Come and see what God has done: / he is awesome in his deeds among mortals (Psalm 66:5).