It has been a really long time since I have felt like putting my thoughts on paper or even sharing them with those closest to me. My thoughts and my heart have been in difficult places over the last 2 years. And I continue to struggle through, but I see hope on the horizon and I think that's because I am starting to feel like I'm a little more willing to be vulnerable again. When hurt cuts so deep, we tend to build up walls around ourselves and we are unwilling to allow ourselves to be real in case we get hurt again...and my walls have become towers, so today I am going to knock a small layer off and share my thoughts this morning.
I'm working from home today and before I start my work I decided I would quickly vaccum the house, and so, like I often do, when I'm cleaning, I turned on my iPod and selected one of my favourite playlists.
Ok..this is were I become vulnerable (well, I guess some of the beginning was vulnerable too)...some of you are going to think I have completely lost it but please don't judge me...
I have a GOSPEL Favourites playlist and of all the playlists on my iPod this is the one that is guaranteed to make me smile and feel happy, no matter what the circumstances. Some good old Statler Brothers and The Gaithers always cheers me up. This one below is one of my favourites...
I can't help but feel lifted up when I hear songs like these.
Now...that brings me to the Mother's Day part...
On the radio over the last several days they have been asking for people to call in and tell of some advice that their mother's gave them that has just stuck with them. I've been thinking a bit about this and was coming up with lots of things my mom said, but then this morning as I was listening to this playlist, her advice came back very loudly.
I listened to all kinds of music growing up and still do, in fact, one of my favorite connections with my oldest son is finding new songs to enjoy. There are LOTS of great musicians and songs out there and I enjoy listening to all different kinds. That being said, there are LOTS of songs that are not always appropriate or the best examples of how I believe we are called to live. And my mom must have felt the same when I was growing up and listening to music. My mom always insisted and encouraged us to listen to some good, religious music. I didn't always listen to that advice and I still listen to songs that she probably wouldn't approve of, but I did listen to those wholesome songs that she talked of as well, and we heard all those great gospel songs played on our radios at home and in the car.
Music in general, has always been a soul-healer and can often lift and cheer me up...none can make me feel so whole as when I crank up a song like the one above and belt out those beautiful words.
Thanks MOM...for your advice and faithfulness in insisting that we listen to the wholesome stuff too...That is advice that paid off and it's advice that I am passing on to my son as well.
I LOVE YOU!
