June 11th, 2018

June 11, 2018
 
            Music is on my mind today. It has always been part of my life, from the days when my brother and I would fall asleep to our folks’ records of the great classical symphonies through my years of piano lessons. Those lessons were followed by learning to play violin and later viola for school orchestras in junior high and high school.
            In college I was part of Campus Ministry, and we met in a room without a piano and wanted to sing. So I bought my first guitar and learned to chord for our singing, from hymns to folk songs.
            During my teaching years, I also gave piano lessons and thoroughly enjoyed accompanying for the music department concerts, music festivals, etc.  Through all of these things, the music was important but the relationships with people was even more important.
            Being part of music ministry in church has been a love of mine ever since I began playing for hymns in our Sunday School when I was 10. This past weekend, I did music with my dear friend Jan for our church service and found my heart singing as it always does.
            The Bible tells us to make a joyful noise onto the Lord and to come into his presence with singing. The reason for this is praise, but the results are much more. Blessings flow from music.
            First, endorphins fill us from music, making us more joyful and cascading out to everyone listening. Second, music requires mental agility, which is always good for us and becomes even more so as we age. Third, the focus required to do music well is good for everything about us, and it discourages bad thoughts, anger and sadness.
            Whether you are a participating musician or a listener, be sure you enjoy music ever day.  And praise our God with joyful noise.
            By the way, this evening I’m off to an honor band concert combining three school bands who will soon be traveling to Orlando. Hooray for music!