Her Father's World

The call of birds, the rustle of a little creature in the underbrush, the unusual bark on a tree, the toad blinking in the sunlight are all fascinating to my girl. She is 14 now and her love for natural things is stronger than ever. She is presently embarked on research about the albatross and would like to go to New Zealand as a scientist to study and help protect them.

She defies a lot of "typical" girl things. She refuses to get her ears pierced, "I'm a natural girl, Mom...", won't think about make-up and is content with her pony tail most days.

As a mother, I have learned so much from her, watching her and listening to her educate me on the insects, birds, plants and trees around us. My job is to help facilitate her growth any way that I can, and then get out of the way.

The American culture of teens is so troubling. Emily visited a school a few months back and at the classroom door, the 8th graders were openly laughing at her clothes. Hissing, "Look at her..." We left and never looked back.

If you are different, if you don't know or care anything about pop stars and celebrities, if you have interests that are considered "stupid", as one middle-school girl told her, you're a freak and weirdo. They tell you who you are or should be. And they lie.

It's ironic that so much is said about tolerance and diversity in our culture, but real diversity makes you a target. There is no tolerance. You must conform to the norm or face alienation, bullying or even violence.

God has not given us children for this.. His beautiful, fascinating world is still there for the exploring and studying. Being in nature itself is a gift from Him. I remember the peace of a lake like glass at sunset, hearing the cries of the loons near Canada on the Islands where we camped every summer. It was mental and physical health to be there and to observe and take in. There's rest for the mind there. As Wendell Berry called it, The Peace of WildTthings.

The birds are singing, the autumn sun is shining on the leaves aflame with color, and the outdoors is calling. That's our Father's world, and my daughter truly loves it. All of it points back to Him.

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: Why should my heart be sad? The Lord is King: let the heavens ring! God reigns; let earth be glad!

(M.D. Babcock)