The Music Within

In the beginning…

Angel wings created unlimited songs of praise in the heavenly breeze.

Their voices lifted in hymns of worship!

Eventually, the lovely bird song filled the new trees.

Music was born to provide rhythm of life.

From the beat of our own hearts to the pattern of our own breath…

Music is within us all.

Like an ancient tribal ritual, we are wired somehow to tap into our gift of music.

It is everywhere. Music is aired in most public places and behind the scenes in movies. It is in our workplaces, our cars and in our homes. It provides enormous entertainment, sets our moods and sometimes just keeps us company. It has the keen ability to spark our memories or help us to enjoy the moment. It can unite us. It may enlighten us. Music is a wonderful gift to be grateful for, yet one which we may take for granted.

In some degree, we ALL have the gift of music within us. I believe good parents should introduce their little ones to musical instruments at a very early age. This allows them to explore and express themselves as they nourish their budding awareness of their God given talents. As they mature, it may provide a greater appreciation of music, a comfort zone to release their emotions and heighten their expression.

On that same note, we are never too old to try something new. It is good advice to stimulate our brains in some way as we age, so why not grow musically? I bet many of us have a tugging desire to play an instrument or even take voice lessons!

You will never know if you do not try!

Some of us are so abundantly gifted as we are impelled to share our talent and use it for our livelihood. It is nearly impossible to list all the wonders of music in our world! How good and thoughtful is our God to provide the music within us to enjoy and use for so many unique and fulfilling purposes!

Music can rock our world or soothe our soul.

In the beginning, music slowly evolved in some fashion or another. Join me as we reflect back to 1000 BC. It was around this time when King David wrote most of the Psalms we read today in Holy Scripture. In his originality, David expressed his heartfelt petitions, emotional pleas, and his love and praise to God. In fact, those of us who are familiar with these beautiful and well written psalms are aware of their power to connect with God by praying them just as David wrote them. There is a psalm for everyone and every situation. Truly co-written by the Spirit, you can prayerfully enter a psalm and allow yourself to experience the grace that is hidden within them. What a gift!

What strikes a chord, however, is why after a time, these holy prayers were put to music and became some of the most beloved hymns we sing today. It’s no wonder our hearts are inclined to sing with emotion as we pray to our God! He is the giver of all good things! Do you ever find yourself whistling or humming a favorite tune? Chances are, you are in a very good mood! It is a natural response to God’s Goodness! Why is good news referred to as music to our ears? We should give thanks for this blessing by giving it right back to Him! Do we use our gifts and talents for His Glory?

Let us take a lesson from ‘the Little Drummer Boy’. We all know the song well and probably can sing every word. This young boy had nothing to give back to God but his talent to play the drum. And so, he played his best for Him.

This was pleasing to God.

This was enough.

Whether you play chopsticks or Mozart…whether you sing in the shower or are the king of Karaoke… I urge you to do your best for the One who is always listening. The One who will love you anyway!

May there always be a song in your heart...

And may you find harmony with Him who has provided it!

Blessings to all…

Until our next walk through the garden…

- Anne