A Year-End Hope

As we came to the end of our first year, I wanted to leave with my fellas a reminder of the most important things that I have endeavored to teach them this year. I think I've figured out how.

I've always loved the artist Bobby McFerrin. Though much of what he writes is lyrically ambiguous, his music has always spoken to me. There's one album in particular that for me is the music of Life itself--Bang! Zoom.

I had lost Bang! Zoom a few years ago right about the time I founded Kid Cultivators. Recently, as I was preparing a PSA concerning The Life Garden, it became imperative to me that I find a song off of that CD called "Remembrance". "Remembrance" is a Bobby McFerrin "instrumental," but as I listened to it again, I swear I could hear faint whispers of words behind his vocalizations.

Well, I've spent the past 2 months listening as closely as I could trying to catch those words I've been hearing, and I think I've finally got it. I call it the "Remembrance & Revelation". My original goal was to pen the lyrics to a Life Garden theme song, but I think it will become the theme for all of Kid Cultivators. The chorus is the statement of our vision for kids.

It's hard to get teenage boys to sing, but I've made them learn the words. Hopefully, it will be for them one of those tunes that they just can't get out of their heads. And as they hum it to themselves along the way (love it or hate it), I pray they will remember.

Below you should see an audio button. Press it to bring up a low quality copy of the tune. For those who know me, don't be afraid: I did not attempt to sing. Below the button you'll find the the words. It shouldn't be too hard to follow along. He does a little scatting to begin with. Then he moves into the melody; the words follow the melody.

Remembrance & Revelation

We know where we’re going
Not always how to get there
We’re not left just to figure it out
We have examples to guide us

There’s no use in guessing
Success is not by chance
There's song and sense to how life works
We'll take the time to learn it.

The Creator gives us life and love
That we might freely share them
So we’ll make the most
of all the opportunities we’re given

And we'll grow
From the inside-out
Into healthy, wholesome, balanced,
Intelligent and mature young adults
We're committed to
making positive contributions
to the whole world
‘cause that’s what life is about!

Life is a garden
Planted by our Father
It’s his choice what he plants and where
and what it takes to nourish it.

Our part is to trust him
And cultivate what he’s sown in us
Then seek to find the Big Dream
that best suits our skills and talents

Our Gardener gives us grace and hope
That we might freely share them
Meeting needs, especially if
we’re the only ones who see them

We’ll grow
From the inside-out
Into healthy, wholesome, balanced,
Intelligent and mature young adults
We're committed to
making positive contributions
…‘cause that’s what life is about!

We’ll grow
From the inside-out
Into healthy, wholesome, balanced,
Intelligent and mature young adults
We're committed to
making positive contributions
to make a better world

Oh, yes, we grow . . . GROW!
inside-out . . . into
wholesome . . . balance . . . mature
young adults . . . and so WE WILL!