Everyone enjoys music, but for some reason I am passionate about it. Music has been known to stop me in my tracks, bring me to tears, even drop me to my knees. A song can completely change my outlook, my attitude, my day. An old song can instantly bring back a memory that was hidden for twenty-years. A new song coupled with an experience can engrave that day in my mind for years to come.
As a child I played the piano, but was never satisfied with my ability. I would pour over sheet music with frustration as I just couldn't perfect the sound. Later I learned chords and would sit for hours creating basic melodies that I would play over and over again. Simple wordless songs from the heart. As a teenager, I played some very basic worship songs. There was such a peace in this and I could easily lose track of time.
In my late teens and early twenties, I grew fond of the unique sounds of the saxophone. I bought a sax and took lessons for a couple years. Again, I was never satisfied, because I just couldn't seem to get the smooth sounds out of it like I had heard on the radio. My greatest reward from the saxophone was merely a set of lungs that were exhausted, and never ending chapped lips. Though I have long since parted with the sax, it will always hold a special place in my heart.
These experiences with musical instruments enriched my life, though I never mastered either. I have such an appreciation for music and lyrics. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God uses music to reach out to me. I've been known to catch just a word or two of a song on the radio, stop, and turn my entire attention back to Him. During some of the loneliest nights of my life, two or three worship songs would carry me for hours into His presence. Without fail, He would always bring me through the day with a specially placed song, like manna for my soul.
I will frequently post songs and lyrics to my journal, as music is such a part of me. It doesn't take much to read my mood, as it seems there is a song for every feeling. If you share a song with me, and we are able to connect on it, we build a bridge with each other that will always be remembered.
