We went to Hershey Park for the company picnic this year, and they had a new body board ride. Tab and Thomas both wanted to try the ride, even though we were watching adults wiping out and flying up the ramp. Undaunted, we waited in line and both got a chance to try.
It makes me smile every time I watch it.
Many people who know me know that one of my pet peeves is when people try to pass The Battle Hymn of the Republic off as a Christian hymn. My blood pressure goes up every time I hear it.
At church this morning, we sang what I now consider the antidote. You can hear the tune if you have a means by which to play midi files.
The Son of God Goes Forth to War
The Son of God goes forth to war, A kingly crown to gain; His blood-red banner streams afar! Who follows in His train? Who best can drink His cup of woe, Triumphant over pain, Who patient bears his cross below, He follows in His train. The martyr first, whose eagle eye Could pierce beyond the grave; Who saw his Master in the sky, And called on Him to save. Like Him, with pardon on His tongue, In midst of mortal pain, He prayed for them that did the wrong! Who follows in His train? A glorious band, the chosen few On whom the Spirit came, Twelve valiant saints, their hope they knew, And mocked the cross and flame. They met the tyrant's brandished steel, The lion's gory mane; They bowed their necks the death to feel: Who follows in their train? A noble army, men and boys, The matron and the maid, Around the Savior's throne rejoice In robes of light arrayed. They climbed the steep ascent of heav'n, Through peril, toil and pain; O God, to us may grace be giv'n To follow in their train.