Day 56: "Do Something Beautiful"

I am sick of our theme song, "Do Something Beautiful". I find it difficult to sing, the tune hasn't worn well, and I still don't know the words. We sing it at every Celebration Rally, sometimes twice, and then they'll occasionally play it for a postlude. That does get me out of the area pretty quickly. Until today I was pretty sure I would never sing or willfully listen to this song again.

"Until today."

The Niagara Rally was held at a beautiful park, Queenston Heights-stately trees, historic monuments, open spaces, and expansive pavilions. We spent a lot of time in the pavilions-all 300 of us and about 50 other picnickers-because it was raining so hard. I tried to find a dry place under the trees, but even the densest leaf cover was penetrated by this downpour. So I squeezed into the pavilion and tried to stay away from the edges, where the water was running off the roof.

We occupied this space from 2-4pm. We cyclists weren't happy about the two hour "meet and greet" plan to begin with; spending it in the cramped pavilion did not improve my attitude. I managed to have some good conversations, inspite of myself. I talked to one couple about the rain and ended up listening to their stories of recovery from alcoholism (I work in addiction treatment for Pine Rest). Another person expressed appreciation for this blog, which felt really good. Still, the highlight of that time was watching two little kids play in the large puddle that formed between the two pavilions. They were having a ball. Their freedom and sense of abandon was infectious. I didn't join them in the puddle, but I did smile a lot watching them.

All this time I'm waiting for someone to announce that the Rally has been rained out. But no, the announcement comes that the Rally will be held come hell or high water (they used different words). The second option was a distinct possibility; I suppose the first was too, but that gets too heavy for this blog.

I grimaced and moved to the bandshell area. The rain had let up by 3:45. My attitude was revealed in my lateness to the gathering. I didn't think I was missing much since the band led off with "Do Something Beautiful." At least we were getting it out of the way early.

As I moved into the area I was surprised at how many people were there-some, I later learned, from a long ways away. That kind of support was moving, even if the song I was listening to was not. I moved to the side of the amphitheatre to take a couple of pictures. That gathering was indicative of the amazing support we've received throughout Canada. Taking pictures also meant I was free from any pressure to sing along.

The band was doing the chorus one final time, "Do something beautiful" they sang and the sun broke through the clouds. Apparently God was listening, maybe even singing along. The worshippers began to cheer. And I did something I hadn't done since the first time I heard that song, got choked up.

That song is now more deeply embedded in my mind, since it is indicative of the way God has provided for us throughout the Tour. We have been blessed in so many ways, on so many different levels. It is also indicative of the way God has provided for me throughout my life. There have been several rainstorms from which I've sought shelter, and each time the sun has penetrated the gloom and God has initiated a new day. Now, a song that I don't like is connected to a God whom I adore and a process that humbles and amazes me.

I think I will listen to it when the Tour is done, probably even sing along, if I can find the words.

Do you think God is laughing?