30 Days of Thanks #15

I don't believe there's a person on Earth who doesn't love and respond to music. For me, music is more than something I love. It defines me. It connects me to family. It fills my heart and soul. I cherish music for its ability to teach, lift, comfort, and entertain. But most importantly, music enables me to feel my Heavenly Father's spirit. Nothing seems to bring that sweet feeling faster or clearer. I wish I could say that I've had a personal witness to every element of the Gospel. But I haven't--so I rely on faith. But I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that the music I sing each Sunday is inspired of God.

I am thankful for Hymns.

I was taught as a child to sing a hymn in my mind whenever I felt afraid. Years later, I still seek hymns for comfort. I'll never forget how sad and shaken I felt after the events of 9/11. All churches throughout the country were asked to have a prayer service in honor of the victims. As I entered my church, I could hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing prelude over the satellite. I can't remember which hymn it was, but it was familiar--one I had grown up singing. At once, my troubled heart was flooded with peace.

At a recent Luke family reunion, I was reminded of my gratitude of hymns. My family gathered together and took turns talking about their favorite hymn. We then sang them as a group. I was amazed at how enthusiastic the grandkids were to describe their personal favorites. I had no idea that McKenna's favorite hymn was "Be Still My Soul." She told the group that it made her feel closer to Jesus each time she heard it. The spirit was powerful... as it often is through music. I had a hard time singing, so I just stood in the back with my two month old baby, wiping tears and basking in the incredible feeling. I didn't take a turn that day... and I regretted it. So, I'm taking my turn now:

My favorite hymn is #221, Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd. It references the parable of the lost sheep--teaching us of our Savior's love and compassion. It's a beautiful message. However, the main reason that I love this hymn is because it reminds me of my Dad. When I was in high school, we sang in church together often. He will forever be my favorite duet partner. I felt proud standing next to him--and never nervous. We sang this hymn several times. No arrangement--Just dad's high tenor voice on the alto line while I sang the melody. It was simple and reverent. This hymn will always remind me of how very much I love my dad.

My heart just about leaped out of my chest when the Mormon Tab sang an arrangement of it at the last General Conference. Enjoy....