The Season of Change

December was supposed to be my month. November hadn’t turned out so great, and embracing the idea of positive self-talk, I had convinced myself that December would be better. Quite literally, I counted down the days until the new month began. And then it did. And things continued their tailspin.

Now before anyone gets too worried, none of my life’s trials are currently that bad. There are people who are going through much worse. I recognize this and I’m grateful that my biggest personal concern is that I haven’t had half of my electricity for the better part of the month. Yet giving mental assent to this fact hasn’t helped my attitude much in the last few days. I beat. And I’m tired. And quite frankly, I want someone to rescue me.

But no one has. And in fact, several people have offered to help, but there’s nothing they can do. It’s surprising – for a girl who never asks for assistance – in the rare case that I would actually accept it, I have to do it on my own. No one can climb the incline for me.

And I think some times are just like that. Like Alexander and the terrible, horrible, no-good very bad day, we have to recognize that every life has its seasons. Some are worse than others, some are better. I think I tend to hover around autumn – not too hot, not too cold, but always filled with change. I don’t experience the majesty of spring or the destitution of winter, and somehow it all evens out for me in the end. Knowing that I know the One who causes every wind to blow and every leaf to fall, helps make autumn sustainable. After all, even a sparrow doesn’t stumble without Him being aware.

Alexander wanted to move to Australia. I can certainly understand that feeling. But Australia has its autumns too. And at least if I’m in autumn, I can always look forward to the eternal Spring.

Continue Reading

I Love This Song

It’s a common refrain that’s heard as I walk into the art department. It’s almost always immediately followed by a sing-along and if, the art department is lucky, an impromptu dance performance. I love music. I always have. And whether it’s a rocking song from the 90’s, aflashback to the 80’s, or my work-day theme song, it requires a lot of restraint for me not to belt out the words along with the radio. I can certainly relate to the guy I observed in Blockbuster who joined in on the Rascal Flatts videoplaying throughout the store. Music speaks to my soul and my soul wants to respond.

My affinity for music is probably why I like worship songs* so much. They express thoughts about God that just can’t be conveyed with the spoken word. I haven’t decided if it’s because the lyrics blended with the melody bring a greater depth to the relationship, or if it’s simply easier to capture and relate to thoughts expressed in rhyme, but either way, I know that my greatest moments of worship are often accompanied by music.

And this has been that way through the ages. Miriam sang as the Israelites escaped Egypt. Mary sang upon receiving her angelic greeting. And the most famous lyricist of them all, David, sang and danced at every occasion imaginable.

Maybe it’s because music allows us to engage with our Maker in a manner that’s reflective of His being. After all, God is essentially an artist; the greatest design in the world is reflected in creation. And especially for those non-artistic types like myself, music provides me one avenue of engaging with God in a manner that expresses His heart. So much of life and my relationship with God is based on who I am; music is expressive of Him.

The art department can look forward to many more random performances. And if they’re fortune, they may even experience another dance-off. (If you weren’t there – that’s a story for another time). But none of these performances will compare with the ultimate show – when we’re standing at our Maker’s feet, singing along to His song.

*A quick sidebar to state a pet peeve – please note I said worship songs. Worship isn’t exclusively about music. When preachers say, “And now that we’ve finished worship. . “, I want to scream, “So what are we doing for the rest of the church service – being entertained?”

Continue Reading