And so our hour in the car this afternoon was calm. I was grateful. It had been a long morning. I was tired. I was tempted to rest my head on Spencer's car seat and close my eyes. But Lucy, between licks, requested "the spider song." So Wes and I sang to her...
There's a web like a spider's web made of silver light and shadow hung by the moon in my room at night...
It was nice to sing. Lucy looked out the window while she licked and listened. We sang the silly, soothing duet several times. And then we sang another - a simple duet I'd been meaning to teach Wes for months.
The Lord is my Shepherd, I walk at his side. In sunlight and darkness he serves as my guide...
We were home before I knew it.
And my spirit felt lighter. And I marveled at the sweet magic of music.
If you would comfort me, sing me a lullaby
If you would win my heart, sing me a love song
If you would mourn me and bring me to God, sing me a requiem,
Sing me to heaven
(Jane Griner)
Are there certain songs that bring you comfort on difficult days?
My favorites differ from time to time. But tonight, and often, these ones win:
They're sounding from the Ipod right now, like old friends, bringing a flood of peace and hope. Striking a deep chord. My life flows on in endless song;
Above earth’s lamentation
I hear the sweet though far off hymn
That hails a new creation:
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing;
It finds an echo in my soul—
How can I keep from singing?
What though my joys and comforts die?
The Lord my Savior liveth;
What though the darkness gather round!
Songs in the night He giveth:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
While to that refuge clinging;
Since Christ is Lord of Heav’n and earth,
How can I keep from singing?
I lift mine eyes; the cloud grows thin;
I see the blue above it;
And day by day this pathway smoothes
Since first I learned to love it:
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
A fountain ever springing:
All things are mine since I am His—
How can I keep from singing?
(Robert Lowry)
(Did you skip over those lyrics because they were long? Tisk, tisk! Go back!)
It comes down to this:
Give Lucy a tootsie pop. Give me a song.
12 comments:
That's one of my favorite CDs, too. It brought a lot of comfort to me once, and now it always reminds me of that time.
ah, you know how much I love both of those songs.
I'm with you on the music thing.
(though Lucy's got something going with the tootsie pops. I like those too. :))
With a lump in my throat, a tear in my eye, I too must learn to carry a song in my heart that will echo in the soul... Wisdom! Love you. Mom
Way to know your audience. I went back and read the lyrics. :) Very nice.
How did you know I was skipping over those lyrics?! I DID go back and read them... they were beautiful. It's been a while since I"ve listened to that CD... I need to pull it out again.
Music really does bring peace to the soul. I am finding that out more and more each day. Was given some classical, relaxing, music for Christmas in 2007. Found it again and started listening to it and it really does change the mood (the kids seem to be a little calmer).
Suckers are great! I used to use the ATM for my deposits (because I'm too lazy to remember deposit slips), but then I learned that they give kids suckers when you go through the line, so now Haley is excited whenever we have to go to the bank.
I really like that CD too, and that song, although I never had read the words before. It is beautiful. I love the power of music too and the comfort and spirit it can bring with it. On my hard days, I especially like to sing "Be Still My Soul" and "Where can I turn for peace" to myself.
I love that spider song! I remember learning it on our family reunion! My kids loved that too but we forgot it. You will have to teach it to us again!
Isn't is amazing how music can take you back? How Can I Keep From Singing...ahh the memories! Such good times.
I actually didn't skip the lyrics the first time....pretty proud of myself!! Beautiful...there is nothing like meaningful music. Lori and Wes... you and your little family are incredible and inspire us all...we love you! Laurie
Lori, I absolutely love the spider web song. My sisters and I used to sing it on car trips. And my high school choir sang "How Can I Keep From Singing?"--it was one of those magical, music moments and now one of my most favorite songs ever. Thanks for the reminder. And excellent taste! :)
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