Music

If you were to ask me about any of the pivotal moments in my life, I could probably name a song that was either playing in real life, or at least in my head.  Maybe it was the fact that my mom is an insane vocal talent or that my dad played Christian reggae music absurdly early on Saturday mornings (none of my girlfriends wanted to sleep over for that reason... not that I blame them!), but music still remains a way that I feel most connected to my emotions.

I went to a Stevie Wonder concert in Grant Park while I was in college, and and it was so incredible to see this horde of people singing, dancing... living... that music.  There were people of so many  races and economic classes that were sharing in this time together, and I think that might be what heaven is like.  Except that the focus of all of that energy will be on praising the Creator instead of faux-worshipping the artist performing, and then we won't be just connecting to our emotions, but to the source of those emotions!

I've gone through a lot of different musical phases... boy bands, hip hop and r &b, soul, a BRIEF country phase, some singer/songwriter stuff, certain classical composers... and yet it's just been recently that I've made a conscious decision to listen to Christian music more often.  Honestly, sometimes that's a battle.  I appreciate artists like Jars of Clay and Gungor that sing about their human weakness and struggles, and how even though they don't always feel it, they know that God is faithfully acting in their lives.  And they make beautiful music!  I get a little frustrated with the lack of production value in some Christian music.  Petty, I know.

All of this aside, I find that when I have music on that is either causing me to reflect on my relationship with God or my relationship with others as it stands as a Christ-follower, I am held further accountable;  my language, my words, my thoughts... they are relevant to my ability to be a witness.  I have to continue to throw those things off (Hebrews 12:1).  I continue to be thankful for the things that the Lord puts in my life to help raise my awareness of His presence in my life, and I pray that I continue to use those things as they were meant to be used.

It's pretty neat to watch Brady experience music now, with his brand new ears.  He and my mom are in a music class together on Mondays, and he apparently loves it!  You may have seen some of the movies that Brad and I have posted of him dancing; it's probably one of my favorite things ever.  How wonderful that God has created music to be enjoyed and danced to and LOVED by even the littlest of his creation.  Pretty great.

We can't wait to see what ways God continues to show up and bring joy to Brady's life!