Learning to Praise with Bob the Tomato

I thought about titling this one "Learning to Worship..." but it's about singing and I really don't like the formula worship = singing. Singing CAN equal worship, but it's a one way relationship. In object oriented programming, we would call it an "is-a" relationship - although possibly with a dotted line. Romans 12 defines worship a bit more broadly...

But I'm not really wanting to write about programming. I'm writing about the Veggie Tales. Say what you want about the CGI vegetables, I think they're funny and besides, I'm stuck with them. My son LOVES his Veggie Tales "Sunday Morning Songs" CD, in particular "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my hear...where?" song. Often, right after the song ends he'll say in his little 18 month old voice "'appy! 'appy", which means "play the song again! NOW!" ('appy refers to the chorus: And I'm so happy, so very happy...)

I can't really say it's a bad thing having children's praise music non-stop in the house - even if it is the same song over and over. It's a good reminder of childlike faith and there are some really great lessons in the songs. They may be simple tunes and basic lessons, but I see great benefit in being reminded that I have the joy, love, peace and the mighty messiah the manifests miracles down in my heart (where?)

Learning to praise God with my son seems to be a pretty good lesson as well. Avi can't really sing along in church, although he does enjoy the music, but there's something about these kids' tunes that allows him to participate more directly. If I'm able to join him where he's at, we can together make a joyful noise.

I'm not trying to insinuate that he has any deep understanding of praise, worship or theology, but I do believe he has that same innate longing to know the Father that we all have. If he can draw close to God, somehow bring glory to Him, even if he doesn't quite have a high-level awareness of it, that seems to me a really good thing.

So, I've found myself learning to praise along with a singing tomato and his not-so-bright cucumber friend. If a vegetable can do it, I should be able to as well.