Do you have a 'go-to' song? Is there a singer whose voice can soothe you? A lot of people talk about the soundtrack of their life; what is on yours?
Music is an integral part of worship, of life, and of our emotional landscape. Even folks who are not particularly interested in music have preferences. What I have found is that there are no absolutes (much like with the rest of life...). Some are jazz people, some are Beach Boys people, some like instrumentals far above vocals, some like the Gaither Band while others like St Martin in the Fields.
In times like these, when much of our world and our country seem to be teetering on the brink of civility, it's good to dig out our 'comfort music' and keep it around us like a cocoon. My musical blanket is fairly eclectic: on my iPod one can find plenty of masses (I know, right?), Beatles, "The Art of the Fugue", Nickleback, Broadway musicals, James Taylor, Christopher Parkening, and Van Halen. I can sort of dial up what mood I need. I even have some spoken word selections - hearing the actual voice of Thomas Merton, Thich Naht Hahn, and Henri Nouwen is remarkably relaxing for me. I have Charles Kuralt reading Winnie the Pooh; trust me, it works.
For you, it might be something completely different. Even though we might tend to fall back on old standards, listen to new musicians from time to time, because you never know when someone may sing or play a Word to you.
The other day, I was in my office working away with music blaring. A member walked in, and stopped in my doorway. "How can you listen to that?!?" Remember, that one person's solace may not be yours. In times like these, gently spoken words are also comforting.
According to folks who know these sorts of things, the very earth itself has a pitch and a tone. Align yourself with the earth and the Heavens, and keep the music going. Which prompts me to restart "October Road".
Peace. (and Happy Birthday, John Lennon.......)
Music is an integral part of worship, of life, and of our emotional landscape. Even folks who are not particularly interested in music have preferences. What I have found is that there are no absolutes (much like with the rest of life...). Some are jazz people, some are Beach Boys people, some like instrumentals far above vocals, some like the Gaither Band while others like St Martin in the Fields.
In times like these, when much of our world and our country seem to be teetering on the brink of civility, it's good to dig out our 'comfort music' and keep it around us like a cocoon. My musical blanket is fairly eclectic: on my iPod one can find plenty of masses (I know, right?), Beatles, "The Art of the Fugue", Nickleback, Broadway musicals, James Taylor, Christopher Parkening, and Van Halen. I can sort of dial up what mood I need. I even have some spoken word selections - hearing the actual voice of Thomas Merton, Thich Naht Hahn, and Henri Nouwen is remarkably relaxing for me. I have Charles Kuralt reading Winnie the Pooh; trust me, it works.
For you, it might be something completely different. Even though we might tend to fall back on old standards, listen to new musicians from time to time, because you never know when someone may sing or play a Word to you.
The other day, I was in my office working away with music blaring. A member walked in, and stopped in my doorway. "How can you listen to that?!?" Remember, that one person's solace may not be yours. In times like these, gently spoken words are also comforting.
According to folks who know these sorts of things, the very earth itself has a pitch and a tone. Align yourself with the earth and the Heavens, and keep the music going. Which prompts me to restart "October Road".
Peace. (and Happy Birthday, John Lennon.......)
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