Ode to Animals

Jerry Harned and I are grandfathers. Between us we have eight grandchildren (above), ranging in age from one to twelve. We enjoy them immensely. So much so that we decided to produce a film dedicated to each of them.

Recently, we took a brief detour from cell biology, genetics and cosmology to develop a short video that would make our grandchildren (and, hopefully, thousands of other kids) smile, laugh, and jump around the living room like kangaroos. A film that, after everyone calmed down, would open the door for some good conversations about the creative power of God.

First, we dug through our film archives and pulled out some of the best mammal, bird, reptile, insect, amphibian and fish footage we’ve photographed and accumulated over the years. Then we commissioned a special version of one of the most emotionally moving pieces of music ever written (Beethoven’s Ode to Joy).  The editing process was a delight, and when we were done we had a lively and inspiring two-minute celebration of life on Earth. We call it ODE TO THE ANIMALS.

Okay. Now round up your kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, kids in your neighborhood, kids in your Sunday school and Awana programs… any kids you know anywhere. Then, after making sure they have plenty of room to jump and run around, hit the “Play” arrow … and be sure to stick around to watch it with them. We’ve had some test screenings with adults and they loved it too.

Dell, Logan, Miles, Jane, Daniel, Mark, Lincoln, Hollyn … and every other boy and girl on the planet … this one’s for you.

May the Creator of everything fill your hearts with joy.