Symphony

The summer my son was entering sixth grade in the fall, he was allowed to choose an instrument and attend summer camp.  After careful thought and deliberation, he chose the cello.  I asked him how he came to that decision.  His comment “Mom, it is the most beautiful music that I have ever heard.”  At that point, I knew nothing about the cello or its sound.  I love music and love to sing but I never learned to read music or officially play an instrument.  I played drums, cymbals and tambourine  and sang by “ear”; hearing the sounds and following the beat.  

My son was excited to begin his orchestra summer camp with several other sixth graders.  At the end of one week, students gave their first concert.  It was impressive!  Not one squeak!  They played beautifully!

Over the course of the next few years, every concert amazed me!  These kids were growing in their musical talent!  When my son would practice, I would intently listen and be swept away.  The cello has a way of sweeping you into the presence of God; captivating your heart!  I came to understand why my son had picked this instrument.  It truly produces the most beautiful music.  However, it has to have someone talented enough to masterfully play it.  

The music my son would play would move me to tears.  His teacher taught him how to put his heart into it and play his soul.  He told me “I can see notes in my mind, in color.”  He would listen to a music piece and then write it out and play it.  He also would take the ending of a piece of music and change it to what he thought would be better.  Although he doesn’t like his mother to say it, his music ability is truly a gift from God.

God creates us each with unique gifts and talents.  We need to use them.   A symphony is only a symphony when we use our gifts and play our instruments together.  God is our conductor.  When we focus on Him, He raises His baton; leads us through the musical journey of life.  He shows us when to slow, when to increase our tempo.  He guides us along like a music piece telling us which instruments need to raise in intensity and which need to be silent and rest.

Nature exhibits His symphony.  Each morning last Spring at 4:00 am, a phoebe bird would be the conductor.  She would start singing “phoebe, phoebe.”  This awoke the purple martins.  They began to chirp and garble; then sing happily.  The robin, North Carolina wren and cardinal joined in.  The doves began softly cooing.  The tree frogs croaked and in the distance you could hear a coyote howl.  It was beautiful to hear nature praise Him.  It was music to my ears and food for my soul!