Reading A Song to Sing, A Life to Live:Reflections on Music as Spiritual Practice by Don Saliers and Emily Saliers helped put into words what I often experience- a deep connection with God, my inner self and life though music. Last year I was introduced to the music of Birdtalker whose song "Heavy" is in the video above.
Often I will play music while cooking or when I write in the morning. I am heading up to the mountains for two days and had forgotten to get this blog post written. Instead of panicking I played music. As I sat and reflected upon what to write the dots connected.
"Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest" -Matthew 11:28
Here are some of the lyrics of the song that spoke to my heart :
Are you feeling fearful brother
Are you feeling fearful sister
The only way to lose
That fearful feeling
Replace it with love that's healing.
So for today as I get ready to "get out of town" I am letting go of the fearful feelings that I have forgotten to get something done. I am letting go of the undone work, the incomplete chores, the bills and paperwork to be sorted through and replacing it with love that's healing.
So for today to allow this song to be part of my spiritual practice to in leaving what's heavy behind as I make time to be refreshed and renewed. Music can help calm and comfort us, energize us, inspire us, remind us, redirect us and connect us to God and one another.
What music speaks to your heart? How has music been a spiritual practice for you? I would love to hear from you. Today I hope you will join me in leaving what's heavy behind and placing it into the tender loving care of God. Join me in worship this weekend as we are fed on the Bread of Life that satisfies our deepest hunger and lightens our burdens. May your journey be light.