So often our days are not defined by musical connections; they’re defined by errands, lots if errands. Some errands are just that—a short trip to the post office, groceries, but some errands are more—for you and for those you’re with. One of my favorite errands each week is picking up my three-year old grandson Austin from daycare. That was an earlier story about “pinched fingers.” Yikes!
“Led Zeppelin” Musical Connections
Last week Austin and I were in the car together when he asked me to sing. I chuckled. I have a five-note range on a good day. On most days, less. But no one told Austin that I don’t sing. No one told him his father used to look at me in church and shake his head during the music portion of the worship service.
Ready to regale my grandson with a rousing rendition of the ABC song, I started in: A-B-C-D… Austin interrupted, “No, Grandma, the other song…” Not sure what the other song was/is, I started to make up nonsense melodies and verses.
Not impressed, Austin pointed to the car’s radio and asked that I make the music come out there. “Oh…” I turned on rock-n-roll classics. Austin smiled. I smiled. Never did I ever expect to be having a musical connection with Led Zeppelin and a dear three-year old.
Memorable Musical Connections
Our days are also filled with music—beautiful music, memorable music, silly songs and grand ones, songs on the radio, songs in church. Not only did I have a musical connections with my grandson, but musical connections are special to all of us—individually and together.
At a time of political divisions, social isolation, and dark, dreary winter days, musical connections are a gift. Christmas music will always connect me to Dad. His favorite hymn was “Silent Night.” Every year, my heart dedicates all four verses to him.
Not only can music connect us to our past, but music connects us to each other. You might be singing along to Led Zeppelin in your car while I’m singing with Austin in mine. You might be singing a praise hymn in Florida or Wilbur or Whidbey Island and I might be singing in Monroe. You might be part of a special concert. I might be in the row behind you. And this year, we might all be watching the same YouTube videos.
Wherever we are, music brings us together. Words and melodies span church denominations. Music crosses borders and cultures. Music also connects us to generations of God’s people—past and present. King David’s life included music, beautiful music, music that calmed, music that celebrated the moment, music that probably anticipated the coming of our Savior. I love knowing that we all might be separated by thousands of years, but we can connect in the Key of D, two sharps, no flats, four beats to a measure, lots of quarter notes.
Past and Present Musical Connections
I love lots of quarter notes. That F sharp you just heard, you just played, you just sang, David heard it, too. He played and sang it, too. Notes that touched his heart might be the same notes touching yours. Aren’t those beautiful musical connections!
Earlier I mentioned political divisions, social isolation, and dark, dreary winter days. We are all part of difficult times. But when our hearts can share a moment, share a history, share hope in the future, we can experience a very special peace. You may not think of music when you think of peace. Austin and I did have the volume up for Led Zeppelin, because Led Zeppelin needs to be a little loud. But peace is not always about volume. Peace is not always about a quietness outside. God’s peace is the quiet inside, the quiet in our hearts, the quiet that came to us when God shared His loving kindness that was our saving grace.
Music can help us share a moment, share a history, share God’s hope and peace. Your favorite song?
Article from Fave Lifestyles (May 2021)
Deanna Nowadnick is the author of Fruit of My Spirit and Signs in Life.
Deanna is also the host of “Morning WOLK with God” here at Fave Lifestyles.
