Music

And of course, it wouldn't be a post if I didn't have 2 in 1 day;-)...Hang around... I might try to go for a record of 3!:-). So let me say to begin, I have been mulling this post for probably a month now. I always knew I was unusual - for so many different reasons, but this post is about music. My one talent (that I have as yet been unable to capitalize on) is my ability to remember lyrics to songs and words from movies. As those who really know me (Especially kids because I am much less shy with them) can attest, I can produce a song or a movie line for almost any situation I am in. In one of my teaching classes in college, we were talking about "intelligences". Not intelligence in general, but this is referring specifically to a person's specific exceptional abilities. The teacher began asking who did certain things- such as those who counted things in their heads etc might have a very high math intelligence. I KNEW that was not me;-). Then she asked who heard music in their heads all the time. I was absolutely astounded that I was the only person to raise my hand. It was such a major part of my person, that it never even occurred to me that other people did not hear music as well. Now to clarify, about 95% of the time, I have some sort of music in my head... call it a soundtrack if you will. Before you think I am nuts (as I first did in class being the only one- but was reassured that that was just an intelligence) I do not hear voices (unless they are singing a song:-D).It strikes me that just as many people "get a song stuck in their heads". Mine is kind of just there always. Often I can influence it. If I want to "hear" something in particular, I can try to focus on that song. There aer times, just like everyone else, that I get a song stuck in my head. Usually something highly annoying- like one of JJ's Songs;-). But I digress. Music is an amazingly integral part of my being. I can "feel" music in nature- in a sunrise, or in the breeze. Now I was not blessed with the ability to perform music, or even play much...and I can sing on key, but was not given the gift of a voice worthy of hearing. But I was given a love. Really even more than a passion. It is almost like someone saying they have a passion for breathing. When I hear the right song, it fills my entire being. The Lyrics to music usually affects me more that something I might read. I know this is a God given thing - The bible speaks so very often of offering God a new song, and singing praise to God. I understand that to my core. I go through phases of who I dwell on musically- right now Sara Groves is at the top. And of course, Rich Mullins - "You did not have a home" gets me every time.
Oh, You did not have a home
There were places You visited frequently
You took off Your shoes and scratched Your feet
'Cause you knew that the whole world belongs to the meek
But You did not have a home
No, You did not have a home

And You did not take a wife
There were pretty maids all in a row
Who lined up to touch the hem of Your robe
But You had no place to take them, so
You did not take a wife
No, You did not take a wife

Birds have nests, foxes have dens
But the hope of the whole world rests
On the shoulders of a homeless man
You had the shoulders of a homeless man
No, You did not have a home

Well you had no stones to throw
You came without an ax to grind
You did not tow the party line
No wonder sight came to the blind
You had no stones to throw
You had no stones to throw

And You rode and ass' foal
They spread their coats and cut down palms
For You and Your donkey to walk upon
But the world won't find what it thinks it wants
On the back of an ass' foal
So I guess You had to get sold
'Cause the world can't stand what it can't own
And it can't own You
'Cause You did not have a home

Birds have nests, foxes have dens
But the hope of the whole world rests
On the shoulders of a homeless man
You had the shoulders of a homeless man
And the world can't stand what it can't own
And it can't own You
'Cause You did not have a home

Isn't it amazing to think that the hope of the whole word did in fact rest on the shoulders of a homeless man. Really on the blood and last breath of a homeless man, but in this day and age of prosper and excess, it is an amazing example of how Jesus lived. The world cant stand what it cant own... how true...
Sara Groves also has hit a chord with me lately... she sings so eloquently about parenting in this fallen world. I have been listening to "It's going to be alright" an awful lot lately. "I can't wait" and "small piece of you" are also high on my list. Again, the Right piece of music speaks to my very core - when you find an artist that does that, it is amazing! Ok..Think I have run this post into the ground...
Short story waaaay to long.. Music is in my soul!