I Can Hear The Floods Clapping

I am now convinced the best way to start one's week is reading a Psalm. Somehow, someway, at least for me, the Psalms I've been reading each Monday for the past few weeks have been nothing less than...I can't even think of a word to describe it...monumental, no, invigorating, still doesn't do it, humongously awesomtastic! That's what I was looking for. Yep, if all else can't describe the feeling, then a new phrase must be invented.

Today's lectionary reading is Psalm 98. The images of all creation applauding, singing joyous songs, and blowing their trumpets is nothing short of being awesomtastic, don't you agree? To wonder how God might take in all this acclamation will be my day's journey.

As I ponder how I might approach this journey a recent event which may help comes to mind and I want to share it with you. Recently there's been a story of a 14-year old boy who has stage 4 brain cancer who has made a bucket list of things he'd like to do before dying. On his list were simple things like spend a night in a hotel, swim in a pool, and eat at a restaurant. His list also included going to American Samoa to see his grandfather.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation got involved and, as they always do for deserving people, they made his wishes come true. The best day for this 14-year old boy was when the Foundation presented the airline tickets to American Samoa to him and his family. They decided to do it at a local restaurant, with the flare of a star-studded red carpet event. Everyone was invited to come and make signs that cheered him on, to bring cameras and snap pictures as a paparazzi would, and bring enough lei (this is Hawaii after all) to hide is head from the chest up.

The public didn't disappoint. The images of this young man being cheered on, surrounded by people who love him, was touching not only to those involved but to the young man and his family as well. When asked how he felt his response was not one might expect from a 14-year old boy who's mere presence is being celebrated by dozens of cheering fans. "I'm humbled by all this attention."

This, I think, is what God feels like when the earth and all creation shouts its accolades in God's honor. God isn't in it for the praise. God is not a "what's in it for me" kind of God. All God wants is to be loved and for us to love each other and to take care of creation. Maybe, just maybe, God created the roaring seas to applaud us.