This semester marks the beginning of my sophomore year of college. I love being a music major, and all my classes and experiences just make me excited to be a band director one day. Although I admit, there are days when I hate my major. There are times when I wonder if music is worth all this work and trouble. On those days I remind myself of the good times. I look back on fun memories with my friends. I recall those feelings of joy when I play the music I love. I remind myself that it is, in fact, worth it.
Through the semesters I find it hard to stay actively involved in church. I am busy all the time! There are days when I'm at the music building from 8am to 8pm. I say to myself, its okay that I haven't gone to church. I'm a Christian, it's not like missing a couple weeks will hurt anything. Church is important. It's important to be in fellowship with other believers, hear a lesson on God's word, and worship him. I hadn't been getting those things in my life.
Although I am exploring some new churches with a friend, I have also realized that I don't have to go to church to praise God. I don't have to be looking at a band on stage to revel in His name. I get the opportunity to hear and make absolutely beautiful music every day. Why shouldn't I praise God while playing my french horn, or while singing in choir, or playing piano or cello in my method classes?
Listening to pieces like Wagner's Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral, Stravinsky's Firebird Suite, Respigi's Pines of Rome, and Alfred Reed's Armenian Dances and Hounds of Spring proves that there is a God. Bach's Crucifixus and Cello Suites praise His name.
I do not understand how people can listen to such beauty and think that there is no God. If He says that the mountains alone praise His name, then what does the power of music do? I listen in awe of the combination of sounds He has created. I'm just so humbled. I hope others will see God in the music they perform or listen to. I pray they will not turn away and ignore God's obvious presence.
Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for this gift of music you have given us.
