My music, my God...

"The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul."  (Johann Sebastian Bach)

I have always loved music.  Earliest memories of music include my Dad  leading worship at church and singing regularly at home.  Mom also sang and whistled in the kitchen as she worked.  I don't remember my childhood home without music very often.  The piano, drums and a guitar or two were not uncommon in our home, either. 

My personal musical interest began early.  I don't remember not singing. But I also remember one day vividly.  My parents had purchased a piano for my two older brothers, who were in school that day. Mom was checking laundry in the basement.  I walked over to the piano...climbed, (I was around four years old and had to climb), onto the piano bench...placed my hands on the keys...and began playing my very first song, "Jesus Loves Me."  Mom rushed up the steps.  I didn't understand the urgency. Before reaching the living room, she asked who I allowed into the house without telling her.  Again, I didn't understand the concern.  She shares that she walked into the living room and there I sat, with my legs dangling off the piano bench, playing that song.  I didn't understand her shock.  It just seemed to me that if I could sing a song, I might as well play it, too. 

We all know that my little debut wasn't exactly a Mozart moment.  I still haven't reached that level after lessons and theory.  It took patience from family and friends over the years.  I began playing for church, as needed, when I was nine.  Bless their hearts!  I still don't know how they endured it.  I played organ for a wedding at fifteen.  Hopefully, there was marked improvement by then. But music...whether singing, playing, or later directing and composing...has always been a part of my life.  I can't imagine life without it.

Music connects me to God in a very passionate way.  It is undoubtedly an incredible gift from Him. I wonder if Jesus sang while He was on earth.  I also wonder what it will be like to hear God sing in Heaven. It is my belief that music is a special glimpse of Heaven on earth. When we struggle, music soothes us.  When we hurt, music calms us .  When we worship together, music unites us.  Scriptures often mention music, as well.

I agree with Bach.  Music reaches its highest potential when it glorifies God...and refreshes our soul as only He can do.  It's true.  I can't seem to go a day without music.  But even more importantly, I can't imagine a moment without the Presence of God, Who gives me every reason to praise Him in song.  ♥~thl

"Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live."  Psalm 146: 2