Tonight Puddy and I once again are out on the back porch, this time not listening to K-Love, but to specific music that I enjoy singing to on Youtube. Music is an important part of my life, and it often lifts me up or centers me in times when I need both. Tonight I have been listening and singing to “Days of Elijah” and a few other tunes. I enjoy all types of music but to sing, I particularly like contemporary Christian and praise music.
Ironically, I am not the musician in my family…everyone else is. I play no instruments at all, whereas Scotty plays everything……..guitar, piano, drums, and trumpet. Steph is an excellent guitarist and pianist. Amanda could play a saxophone if you put it in her hands, and Ben pounds on his highchair (and tries to hit his siblings guitars)! All I have is my voice.
Oddly enough, I have spent my entire life shunning even that. I remember in 8th grade my music teacher, Mrs. Guard, calling me “the boy with the golden voice.” Yet I thought it was “uncool” to sing, and made sure everyone knew I was an ice hockey player……singing just seemed so weak. I was put into Cadet Choir in my sophomore year against my will and I complained as if they were cutting off my arm. I was the grandson of an accomplished bass singer, and my great grandfather an accomplished chello player, yet to me singing just not the image I wanted as a tough young high school boy.
In truth, I never gave it up, though my taking it on myself took me far from having a golden voice. I am now more honestly labeled the “middle-aged man with the mediocre voice,” but I enjoy it nonetheless. Music is still with me, it’s just now with me with many deep regrets.
I am reminded each day however, that it is never too late to begin anew. In fact, the Lord gives us opportunity to do so every day….okay, in truth every moment, even now. I may never recover that golden voice, but it shouldn’t stop me from making a “joyful noise” to the Lord. And if I never take it any further, at least it serves me well.
It has been a good night….full of music, or fond memories, of joy and of hope for the future. Scotty and Steph, and even Amanda joined me mid-blog, with two guitars, no saxophones, and lots of fun…praise God!
I best get to bed while I am way ahead! Goodnight my friends and God Bless! I hope your day was every bit as good, if not better than mine!
Fr. Tom+