What’s the song in your heart?

How does the music in our lives reflect it?

Have you ever contemplated the role that music plays in your life? Does your playlist reflect your mood or what you are doing? Mine does. I have classical music or French music on when I am working, something peppy when I am cleaning, and Christian music when I am getting ready for bed. Sometimes I pick a song to listen to for a message that I need right at that moment. I have been known to text songs to friends because I think they need to hear it. All the musicians are telling us a story, reaching us the only way music can. Is it just pleasant listening for you, or does it mean more?

When we are in church, we are praying using our voices. Music invites us to enter worship in a deeper, more personal way. It doesn’t matter if you sing well or not, it’s a beautiful sound when it’s all together. It’s a metaphor for our journey as well, to make it beautiful, we don’t do it alone.

Singing is fun, but I wouldn’t tell you that I am terribly good at it. It’s possible that I make up silly songs for kids I am with or burst into song during a class (or even a meeting). There is usually a song playing in my head. I have a decent voice, but I can’t read the music. I can hear the music and follow along if I can hear the right notes beforehand. I never sang a solo when I was in choir in college because that was terrifying.

Oddly enough about 10 years later I found myself on the music team for a retreat I was helping with. I volunteered even though it was way out of my comfort zone. My friend’s then boyfriend (now her husband) was leading the team and it gave me a chance to get to know him better and more importantly, to be the bridge between the ordinary and the amazing. I was exhausted at the end but it was a joyful experience.

One of my besties “loves” every Christian song from the early 2000’s. When we used to attend mass together, many moons ago, she would say “this is my favorite”, then a few minutes later, that one was her favorite. She still loves Christian music. I’ve never asked why, but I should. I think music provides the words for the songs in her heart even if she can’t express them. I listen to music and think, “wait, you too? I thought it was just me!”

We choose the soundtrack of our lives. Our thoughts become our actions and reactions. Are you choosing something uplifting and encouraging for your playlist? If you are not, why not?