Music is . . .

. . . an incredible gift from God that can speak to our hearts. Although I have always enjoyed music, I am learning how to better appreciate its power to remind us of truth and point us to our Creator. Certainly there are some forms of music and some specific lyrics that are not very edifying, but beyond those exceptions, music has a way of joining total strangers under the artistic skill and deep emotions often communicated through song. I used to object to wearing earbuds when I ran my long distances many years ago. Still, I used to play the songs I liked, and then replayed them in my mind as I watched and listened to the beauty of nature around me. More recently, I have been inclined to listen to music with earbuds as I walk and bike (no more running, sadly). I recognize the truth in the spiritual words and reflect on the love our God displays to us through the creation and skill of music.

It is easy to reflect on this aspect of music as I am continually reminded by the skill and joy with which the students sing and play instruments, sometimes throughout the day (the band room is across the hall from the teacher’s offices). There have also been music festivals and the weekly worship meetings that the student lead in song. What a privilege to know that, even in song, this next generation is preparing for a lifestyle of following our Lord and Savior. I am blessed.

I am thankful that for three of the last five years, Carri and I sang and memorized all the verses of four special hymns as we did a two mile walk every day. Little did I know that those songs would become one of the last points of engagement between my wife and I as she struggled through the decline of dementia. Long after she stopped speaking, she still remembered those hymns and would clearly sing them when normal conversation had ceased. I will always have those memories and I look forward to the day when will will sing them anew in God’s heavenly kingdom.