A Defense of Compatibilist Freedom: When Grandchildren Are Around
a foretaste of eternal glories
When we denigrate the value of any postmortem compatibilist free will vis a vis the beatific vision, we end up disvaluing - not only one of life’s most rewarding relationships, but - those beautiful little angels, themselves, whom we call our children & grandchildren.
Their precious sacred faces make such precious sacred sounds
We stare into God's face & live
When grandchildren are around
Though their well being's been determined
Other choices still abound
Favorite cartoons, favorite cereals
Favorite somethings they have found
We freely give them everything
Expecting nothing in return
But the delight that sparkles in their eyes
With each new joy they learn!
Call it eros or their "what's in it for me?"
And call their remorse imperfect contrition
Their enlightened self-interest fully satisfies
A Grandpa, who loves them without condition
Might they ever grow agapic?
Experience a contrition that is perfect?
Grow more freely loving toward us?
That’d so far surpass what we'd expect!
That's how it is with God's love, too
As He bestows on us His gifts
We freely receive by natural inclination
Suffering no everlasting rifts
We're invited to grow in intimacy
Beyond our natures given
But that's such a dayenu surplus
He's just so happy that we're living
Through Him, With, In Him
Formed by His indwelling Spirit
With a still, small voice that speaks within
I'll quiet down, now; can you hear it?
Seagulls sing your hearts away
’Cause while the sinners sin
The children play
Oh Lord, how they play and play
For that happy day
For that happy day
1970, Tea for the Tillerman includes many of Cat Stevens’ best-known songs such as "Where Do the Children Play?"