Restoration - Part II

Pondering the Lessons of Song

Introduction

In this, the second part of the Restoration series in The Adventure of Reflection, I explore song. My exploration will include songs and singing, as well as singing as a metaphor. I pray there is something here that stirs you in a restorative way!

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A Minute of Motivation

The Song of You

Use the talents you possess, for the woods would often be silent if no birds sang except the best. Each of us is an essential voice in the chorus of humanity.

Some people feel insignificant – like trivial cogs in the machinery of life. But there is not one of us who is insignificant, because none of us can be replaced. We each have a special and unique contribution to make – no one else can give what we are able to give to this shared experience known as life. If we selfishly hide our gifts, or are afraid to use them, we do so at the expense of others who need for us to do our part.

Know that there is a special role you play in this life, that no one else can play it, and that the world is better because of you contributing your part.

Share the song of yourself by giving it to others.

Note. Originally published in 1992.

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Enjoy Life More

Absorb a Song 

One morning I felt a stirring in my being, one that I couldn't seem to release or resolve. I decided to play a song on my stereo and sit on the floor in front of the speakers. "It's Always Been You" by Phil Wickham wafted over me, around me, and into me.  

Quietly, tears began to slide from my being, out of my eyes, and down my face. My breath became deeper and slower as I absorbed this beautiful song and its stirring lyrics.  

I was starting to feel better, more settled, more at peace. I played the song again and continued to absorb it into me. I wasn't merely listening to it; I was experiencing it fully and deeply. It was speaking to me through and beyond the words. 

At the end of two rounds of the song I stood up and wiped away my tears, renewed, released, and free. The experience brought me healing...and restored my ability to feel joy. 

Perhaps there is a song calling to you. I encourage you to find a space in which to enjoy the restoration of beautiful absorption.

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Faith Corner

“Jesus sang a hymn with His disciples.” Mark 14:26 [personal paraphrase]

The Psalms are full of references to songs and singing, but only Mark mentions the singing of Jesus. Zephaniah (in 3:17) wrote that God “will rejoice over you with singing” – in some translations the singing is noted as “loud.”

In both references the singing is connected to believers. In the Mark reference, Jesus sings WITH His disciples; Zephaniah describes the singing as being an expression of love for God’s rescued people.

There have been times when the darkness of my being is so heavy I find it difficult to pray, let alone sing. But, even if my singing is barely a whisper, my spirit is strengthened because my Lord joins in the song. I find great comfort in knowing my singing is never alone.

Lord, thank You for the miracle of song, especially for the reality of You singing. Help me to know You are singing with me and over me. Release my joy from behind the curtain of darkness by opening my spirit to sing. Thank You for singing with me. Amen.

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Poetry Pause

Lesson of the Birds 

This morning God called me outside, 

Away from my grumbly thoughts about today, 

To the early sounds and sights of His world. 

“Let me teach you something My troubled child; 

Come learn a lesson from My birds.” 

I sat on the deck and waited … and listened, 

“Daddy! The birds are singing!” 

“Yes, My child, they are.” 

“But why are they singing?” 

“Listen and see if they will tell you.” 

A concert emerged around me. 

At first I could only hear two kinds of voices; 

Then more and more joined in. 

I watched as various birds flew into view, 

And they added to the morning choir. 

One friendly fellow landed on a post as I watched; 

Then he sang, as if for me to see. 

“Listen with your heart, My child. 

Consider the lesson of My birds today. 

They are gathering to teach you why they sing:” 

“The sun is up! A new day is here! 

Let’s sing and celebrate the morning! 

This is the day the Lord has made, 

Let us rejoice and be glad in it!” 

“Yes, Lord, tune my heart to sing with them.”

This is the lesson of the birds. 

By Cindy MacGregor, 3/27/2020 

Note. This poem was written during a darkening season in my world, as the shutdowns from COVID denied me access to my children, my grandchildren, and my office.

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Old Mom to Young Mom

The Boomerang of Song

One morning, very early, our oldest child, only a preschooler, came into our bedroom, already singing. I remember that morning so well. I was not eager to start another exhausting day, however, the joyful singing of a child was my alarm clock.

I don’t know when or where she had learned the song, perhaps Sunday School at church. Perhaps she got the song from a Wee Sing tape that was regularly playing in my vehicle. However she had learned the song, she awakened with joy and then awakened her parents by singing it.

Teaching songs to children, whether on purpose or by environmental absorption, creates the potential for a delayed boomerang effect. A song, sent into a child, will return, sometimes when you need it most.

That morning, through the boomerang of song, my bedroom was filled with the stirring and simple song: “Jesus loves me.”

My advice to you, as an old mom to a young mom, is to fill your child’s world with music worthy of becoming a boomerang. Who knows? The benefactor might be you.

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Dear Dr. Mac

I love trying to be wise. With degrees in psychology and leadership, I have a lot of advice to offer.. some of it might even be good. If you would like to hear what I think about something, please send an email to: drcjmacgregor@outlook.com; I will respond via email or in this section of a future newsletter, or both. I hope to hear from you!