“Those who wish to sing always find a song.” The Swedes knocked it out of the park with this wise proverb. I think this photo I ran across recently proves the Swedish truism. Pictured at an evening outdoor birthday party with me are Anne (far left) and birthday gal, Dorease. Look at our smiles and the beautiful early summer flowers.
While Dorease is the gifted vocalist among us, all three of us have learned to find songs and sing—especially in the crushing times when we could have lost our voices entirely. I find this proverb about finding a song particularly fitting for this Mother’s Day weekend.
Stretching Your Vocal Cords Anyway
I know several moms who do not wish to sing about their life circumstances and who have stopped looking for a song. I know plenty more who, despite their trials and pain, search for an old song book or modern-day lyrics online and stretch their vocal cords anyway.
My mom was one of these women. She was not a center-stage vocalist, and she didn’t really play an instrument (unless you count the old accordion that sat in the closet pretty much untouched), but Mom did delight in music. She owned quite an eclectic collection of 78 albums, including ones featuring Elvis Presley, Nat King Cole and The Beatles. And I played the DJ, spinning these albums and more on our coffee table built-in stereo in the living room.
Yet perhaps like you and me, Mom’s challenges did not always warrant belting out “The Twist” with Chubby Checker or “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” with Diana Ross. Something in my mom’s biochemical makeup caused flareups with depression. Later in life, glandular skin cancer marred her face with scars, two reaching from ear to ear. But resilient Bernice, who knew how to bend when life dared her to break, still wished to sing.
My mom dug deep to always find a song. In fact, two days before she suffered a massive stroke, Mom, drove around to visit friends who could no longer get out because of their own health challenges. Just being with these friends stirred a melody within.
Determining to Always Find a Song
So how are you doing in the song category these days? Do you no longer wish to sing because your heart feels too heavy? Have you lost interest in even finding a song? Or, frankly, lost interest in listening to someone else sing their song or even a song to you? You are not alone.
Mother’s Day is often mixed with myriad emotions. We rejoice in the joy of having children. We cry over children we cannot birth, or did, but they have passed or are distant. We laugh over fun memories with our own moms, and we ache when our moms can no longer laugh with us.
So, we have a daily—sometimes hour by hour—choice. We can turn off the radio, stay away from musicals, cancel Spotify and toss out our earbuds. Or we can determine to always find a song. And keep singing. Even if it’s only in the quietness of our heart, where only our Creator and us can hear.
LAAAA! Can’t tell you how many times a praise song on the radio has turned my day from dark to light. And I’m always in a better mood after an hour of music at Zumba class!! You’re right on with this one. Let’s always keep songs in our hearts.
Yes, let’s do keep a stellar playlist in our hearts, Nancy!
I like when, all of a sudden, the words from a hymn pop into my mind. Recently the chorus “On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand…” came into my mind. (We had recently had a strong storm come through, so that may be the reason.)
Terri, that is such a classic hymn and certainly one to steady yourself when storms wash through. Thanks for sharing this!
I love this sweet gifted friend! I am going to start practicing my vocal skills and sing to the heavens. Such a great reminder!
Thank you!
Terry
So glad I have helped inspire your singing to the heavens, Terry. Next time we’re together, many we can belt out a few tunes together perfect harmony.
Oh, Bethie Joy…
it has been on my “to do list” to circle back to find your blog for Mother’s Day.
I knew it was here, but had not gotten around to it.
I had NO IDEA that I was mentioned or that our photo posted.
Oh, my goodness GRACIOUSness.
So very precious and poignant to read about your dear Mother.
You’ve told me much about her over the last decade or more… and I look forward to getting to meet and enjoy her in person, someday.
By the way, the night of this photo, it was my birthday (in the photo, I’m so blessed to be standing in the middle of you and precious Anne Emmons Stark).
About a dozen of my closest friends were with you, Annie and me at “Pinecreek” for a sunset dinner.
It was wonderful in every way and I felt so happy, yet, I WAS IN SO MUCH PAIN.
I was suffering with “Acute Colitis” from the 7 antibiotics I was on (for treating Lyme Disease).
The next day would be Sunday.
After Church, Tim would rush me to the Emergency Department at Penrose Central.
That’s where I was diagnosed and it explained why I had been suffering so miserably… yet, at my party, I rose to the occasion because I was surrounded by dear precious ones.
As they say “The Show Must Go On”.
Well, you and a few others were like healing balm for the soul. I was able to forget my physical misery while I engaged with you, Annie, Susan Skinner and others.
Beth,
I am so thankful for our sisterhood and friendship.
I love you, admire you and adore you (and I love me some precious Collie girls and was blessed to play a part in helping you to choose their names…
and before the 3 of them, I loved me some courageous, sweet and handsome Logan).
You and I may not have birthed our own wee babies, but we sure have mothered and loved many.
In this season, the Lord has raised us both up to be Mothers within God’s Kingdom and to help mentor and guide His people and to compassionately grace those who aren’t His (yet).
Glory be to God!
Thank you Bethie.
Reasie, thank you for this sweet message. Yes, we have mothered and loved many in our lives and it’s such a joy to do that naturally and with the Lord’s help. I know all my collies have been enriched by your adoring each one. I am blessed to have you in my life and look forward to making many more rich memories like the night we celebrated your birthday at Margarita’s at Pine Creek. Much love to you, my friend.