I've been learning to sing in harmony.
In high school, I was a part of our chamber choir and all state choir. Because of this, I was blessed with the opportunity of having an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience - to hear the true beauty of music. I cannot rightly explain to you the shear thrill of standing in front of an audience with the conductor holding your next breath in his right hand and hundreds of eyes poised and ready to react, with the hum of pitch already in their hearts. I cannot convey to you the emotional reaction of your heart as the words seep from your mouth in a language you don't understand, while your voice dances within the unity of all of those around you. I could use beautiful words, but you would never understand, unless you were there on stage singing with me in harmony.
There is so much to miss about choir. The unity that you have with the others, but not necessarily every day. Anyone in our chamber choir would tell you we hardly all got along all the time, most days this was nearly impossible. But Oh, when we sang! There was a magic that filled our hearts.
Tonight I had the ability to stand by a friend in her pain and suffering and confusion. I felt in harmony with her. Because I've learned the part and know the pitch and have seen the resolution. All I can feel is the impact of the perfect note and I desire for her to hear it too.
God has filled me with joy today. For the first time ever I am able too see my grief as a blessing a be thankful. I stood singing "Have thine own way, Lord" in worship and I know not whether it was my spirit or His inside me that said it, but there was a whisper behind the song (that harmonized so well). It said to the Lord that thine own way may lead me to the valley, but I am willing and eager to go there again. I will be healed and I will be shattered, for you are the great iconoclast and I am willing to know the shadow of death. I trust that He will lead me through valleys to walk me by springs of life and that he will always prepare a feast before my enemies.
In high school, I was a part of our chamber choir and all state choir. Because of this, I was blessed with the opportunity of having an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience - to hear the true beauty of music. I cannot rightly explain to you the shear thrill of standing in front of an audience with the conductor holding your next breath in his right hand and hundreds of eyes poised and ready to react, with the hum of pitch already in their hearts. I cannot convey to you the emotional reaction of your heart as the words seep from your mouth in a language you don't understand, while your voice dances within the unity of all of those around you. I could use beautiful words, but you would never understand, unless you were there on stage singing with me in harmony.
There is so much to miss about choir. The unity that you have with the others, but not necessarily every day. Anyone in our chamber choir would tell you we hardly all got along all the time, most days this was nearly impossible. But Oh, when we sang! There was a magic that filled our hearts.
It didn't come over night, though.
The day we learned what song we would be singing was exciting, but the following weeks were gruesome - like torture! you have to get every pitch, every vowel, let alone all the words perfectly. You knew when someone made a mistake. They stuck out like a sore thumb!
But Oh, when we sang! It overtook the crowd, but mostly it shook us. I remember countless times we would finally nail that one part and we would look at each other and gasp with laughter and amazement. I don't exaggerate the awe of this experience. It's truly one of a kind.
This is what Jesus is teaching me. He's acting as my conductor and His church is turning into a most beautiful choir.
On Sunday, it was most experienced. A man and his wife in the midst of unspeakable suffering. He has terminal cancer - what cliche do the Christians have for a man like him? I could feel his pain. Not that I will ever understand a cancer patient's trial, nor would I want to. But what a blessing it was that I was able to pray over them both! I could have never deserved it, but I longed to do so, and I felt it with them and I was glad to sing along-side them in their mournful minor key. As we who know music know to well, the keys in minor and the songs in dissonance, are often the most beautiful, and they often have the most suspiring resolution.
And then there are the things which bring me joy! Unity with one man who will be my own flesh and it's becoming clearer each day what this means! This song is the sweeter, but not grander than the others. It's the theater music that makes the place rumble and the part of the song where you begin to weep and you aren't sure why. The beautiful masterpiece which stops the room for a moment, and the pause is so long you feel your heart may collapse in anticipation, but the whispering Italian words seep back in and relieve you.
God has filled me with joy today. For the first time ever I am able too see my grief as a blessing a be thankful. I stood singing "Have thine own way, Lord" in worship and I know not whether it was my spirit or His inside me that said it, but there was a whisper behind the song (that harmonized so well). It said to the Lord that thine own way may lead me to the valley, but I am willing and eager to go there again. I will be healed and I will be shattered, for you are the great iconoclast and I am willing to know the shadow of death. I trust that He will lead me through valleys to walk me by springs of life and that he will always prepare a feast before my enemies.
The greatest song I will ever know is being composed. I am learning my part and one Day, I will sing it with Him and my soul will not contain my joy.
Chelsy.
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