Psalm 100: Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing. (King James)
Bach gave us God’s word;
Mozart gave us God’s laughter;
Beethoven gave us God’s fire;
God gave us music that we might pray without words.
As I reflect upon my life, I immediately think of how much music has influenced me through family and friends. Music has been in my life as long as I can remember. There was always music in our family. My mother was a singer and my father played the trumpet. My brother and I were very involved in musicals and band, participated in choral groups, earned music education degrees, and taught music in public schools. We still continue to sing in choral organizations.
Upon retirement from teaching elementary school music, I knew I needed to continue being involved in music. The opportunity arose to direct the Golden Heirs Choir, a group of senior aged church members in my church. This became my source of musical expression. I did not realize that these very dedicated singers would become my dear friends. We sing, laugh, pray for each other, and enjoy good fellowship which always includes food. The choir sings at various assisted living and nursing homes. Over the past 8 years, we have become friends with the residents. We encourage them to join in and sing the old hymns with us. Sometimes, the residents cannot sing, but the smiles on their faces express the happiness of past memories the music brings to their hearts.
Plato said, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” Hans Christian Anderson said of music, “When words fail, music speaks.” Ronald Reagan stated, “Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music.”
I am so thankful that God blessed me with the love and talent for music. What wonderful, joyful, amazing opportunities and experiences the joy of music has given me throughout my life to share with others.
Just remember how music brought you joy, sorrow, meditation, memories, love, and comfort throughout your life. Music is God’s gift to us to sing in our souls forever. Always keep a song in your heart.
Pam Jackson
Knoxville, TN