Last night as I was trying to fall asleep I played one of my favorite albums, "Hymns From The Ryman" by Gary Chapman. It features some old hymns with acoustic arrangements, including Chet Atkins' final recording. My very favorite selection features an a cappella male quartet singing close knit harmonies on "The Lord Bless You And Keep You", also known as "Sevenfold Amen". My mother's church choir used to sing it at the close of every worship service when I was a child.
I remember how the harmonies used to wash over me as the voices swirled and wove around each other, finally coming to rest in a rich tonic chord anchored by a resonant bass. There were several strong basses in her choir and Mom used to call them her "rumble basses". My personal favorite was a tall, quiet Abraham Lincoln lookalike named Lincoln Zareb. I was totally fascinated at how such a powerful voice could just pour out of such a tall slender man.
Listening to that piece last night so epitomized my joy in music that I found myself hungry for more, and I played the piece four more times before I fell sleep. In our current lifestyle, music is not as large a part as it has been in other seasons. I have gone months without playing my guitar, and I don't recall the last time I directed anything. But last night reminded me how I have missed it.
Perhaps the time has come to pick up that area of my life again. Is there something in your life that used to bring you joy? Consider picking up that activity again. Who knows what the Lord will do with it in this new season of your life? As always, I would love to hear from you.
Sandy Kay Salsbury
Funny how you have a renewed desire for your music. One thing I always enjoyed as a teenager but never told others was when YOU sang "My Father's Eyes" in chapel or in church AND when Mr Moir sang "His Eye is on the Sparrow." Thank you for touching my life throught music.
ReplyDeleteLorie