For the Beauty of the Earth

Other than my favorite Christmas hymns, "For the Beauty of the Earth," is one of my all time favorites. It was written by Folliot S. Pierpoint in 1864. John Rutter's setting (score reduction for piano and voice - not orchestra and choir!), is the one we used in our wedding ceremony as I walked down the aisle. When I listen to it, I get all happy and feel all the feels. I was listening to it this morning as I was working and I started thinking about our children and how we are raising them in their faith.

The line that says "Lord of all, to Thee we raise. This are joyful hymn of praise!" is repeated several times. It talks about the beauty all around us. In the Catholic Church, marriage is a sacrament and so is baptism. David was baptized shortly after he was born, and on Saturday Abigail will be brought into the church. My preparations for her baptism have been a bit different than they were for David. With David, I knew what would happen, attended the class, knew it was special, but didn't KNOW how special until after. Then I could feel it. This time, with Abby, I already know the joy from David and so already have that feeling. I feel like we really are praising God and raising Abby up to Him with joyful praise. 

Another line says "For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child." I am so excited to explain baptism to David and let him experience it as an observer with his sister. Not only are they human siblings, but they are soon to be brother and sister in Christ. How amazing is that!? Our friends have expressed concern about their kids being noisy in the church during the baptism and I just think it is so special for children to get to witness something so special and amazing, even if they don't yet understand. Sam and I haven't even talked about how to explain it to David, but I am thrilled that we get the opportunity to talk to him about it and let him participate with his sister.

If you get a chance, listen to For the Beauty of the Earth. It is just beautiful and really sums up how I am feeling about Saturday. I hope it warms your heart a little on this cold day and helps you see the beauty all around in everything!