Sing to the Lord a New Song

Last night I was reading a book by one of my most favorite authors…I am sure I will bring up his work in future pieces, but for now I will leave his name unknown. As I was reading, I was listening to some music, as I do most often when reading. Silly, but I like to live my life to a soundtrack of random tunes. It makes living more interesting, and oddly enough, calms my mind down enough to function productively.

As I was listening to the music, a hymn I have long-time loved was played as a piano solo. I sat listening to the piece and within thirty seconds tears filled my eyes.  As discussed above, music plays a heavy role in my life. Some of my most poignant memories float up while listening to the melodic riffs. Last night, it was a memory of a woman I treasured greatly in my life. I think of her often when I hear hymns; they were her favorites, and she sang them every day I knew her. This beautiful woman loved to sing, and she trumped that love only by the adoration she had for her Savior and others. For as long as I knew her (which amounts to twenty-three years), she would sing loudly and with much conviction. Her time of praise was very much akin to how she lived her life in general. She was a woman of presence. She loved fiercely, and was loved fiercely.

I remember from a very young age hearing her sing. To be honest, it wasn’t the most melodic sound I had ever heard. It was, however, the most convinced. Her voice was more mature and robust than others, and most often stuck out in a crowd. It wasn’t going to win any contests, but she wasn’t singing for any earthly prize.

There was one instance I remember thinking, much to my shame now, that I didn’t want to have a voice like hers. I didn’t want a loud voice that shook when I held long notes. I wanted a soft and tender voice…I was judging, of course, based on the worlds standard of what is a pleasing sound and what is tolerable. I don’t admit this easily, nor do I remember ever admitting this out loud. I say it now because I would take hearing that passionate voice singing a hymn, to ever hearing mine raised “daintily” to the heavens.

It has been almost two years since Beverly has passed. I was asked to sing at her funeral. When it came time for me to sing, the phrases were loud, heavy with feeling, and shaky due to the tears. Ironic in a way…appropriate.

I was blessed with a singing voice. I don’t say this to boast, I don’t believe my voice to be great in any respect. I say it because I believe the Lord gave it to me to serve Him. He doesn’t ask me to critique it, compare it, or even showcase it. He asks me to lay it at His feet and use it to serve Him. This is something Beverly understood. She, in her discouragement, did not use her voice as much in her ladder years, or at least not in a way for others to enjoy it. She did, however, use it to fervently praise the Lord, and I believe she still does so today. I would be so blessed as to sing with her in her attitude of praise….and hope to someday join with her in praising our King again.

Lovingly,

RDM