Music and more...

It began years ago.  One of my childhood responsibilities was washing dishes after each meal.  That doesn't mean I loaded them in the dishwasher.  That means that I cleaned food off the plates, emptied glasses, loaded the sink with hot water and dish detergent, scrubbed dishes, glasses, silverware, pots, pans followed by rinsing, stacking, drying and putting them away.  Mom also taught me that kitchen work was never complete until the table, stove, refrigerator and counter tops were wiped clean.  That may sound relatively simple and routine but for a family of seven, it was never a brief process.  

To make that job more enjoyable, I did what any music-loving daughter did.  I turned up the music and sang along until my kitchen responsibilities were complete.  What could have been a sometimes overwhelming task became an opportunity to learn, grow and celebrate music.  

As I cleaned my kitchen tonight, I naturally played music.  Surprisingly, the station was playing songs from the 70s and 80s.  I didn't realize it was a Saturday evening ritual but I enjoyed the familiar tunes.  Then it happened.  A song began that I had not heard since 1973.  It had two versions and the extended version plays for around ten minutes.  Tonight the extended version was presented and I sang each verse and chorus just like I did while washing dishes forty-three years ago.  I was surprised that I still remembered it word for word.  By the time the song was over, my kitchen work was done and memories were vividly returning of that eventful time in my life.

I began thinking.  Life's journey is filled with many experiences and events.  Some are exciting.  Some are routine.  Some are enduring.  Some are refreshing. Whatever we encounter, it makes all the difference to find purpose, joy and beauty in each moment.  Even in overwhelming times, there is One Who holds us and helps us recognize opportunities to learn grow and celebrate His loving Presence and peace.  He has promised that He is always with us and will never forsake us.  I may remember song lyrics from over forty years ago.  Yet I hope to hold His words, His promises, His love and His power even closer in my heart and mind as my journey continues.  I sincerely appreciate music's tremendous influence in my life.  But I am most grateful for Him...and the song He places on my heart every step of the way.  

I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl