“My heart is committed, God, my heart is confident, so I will sing and play music.”  Psalm 57:7  

Music is an important and vital act of expression and unity for our family.  Kristen and I and the boys have shared multiple Bruce Springsteen concerts, and while dancing, have observed people of all backgrounds and political persuasions getting along and reveling in his music. Another example of the power of music in God’s world took place in the Summer of 2013, which was the last time our family was with my Dad, Sterling.  He died from Alzheimer’s Disease a few weeks later.   

On this final visit, Kris and I suggested to our sons David, Ben and Jacob to bring their guitars, and violins and we would take their Granddad next door from the memory care unit to a location that had a piano.  The music flowed as did our collective love for him.  The smiles and laughter and beautiful music made during that last visit will forever remain evocative memories.  It was very powerful to observe my Dad, who minutes before was having trouble communicating with his grandchildren due to his disease, come alive with dance and song and become more like himself again because of his committed and confident heart through the power of God’s love through music.

Prayer:  Thank you God, for the many opportunities to celebrate Your great works through music.  In this time of divisiveness, we are blessed at Bethel to have committed and confident musicians (our various choirs, New Song Band, the genius of your servant, Layton James and his extensive circle of friends, Vespers, and several other joyous musicians) to enhance our worship experience and increase our connection with you.  Please help us to learn to be better listeners, have patience and be civil, and to joyously sing, dance and play as You have taught us. Amen.