Sing!

Each morning I try to begin by allowing God to provide a framework for every new day. No two days are ever the same. And none of us has any idea whether this new day will hold mind blowing changes to our lives or be filled with those beautifully subtle experiences that continue to gently shape us.

But today began with a not so subtle lesson in living. As I sat in my backyard awaiting inspiration, I heard a very unique voice on the street below me singing out with his whole heart. As he came into view I saw that he was probably mid 70s, walking his dog, and apparently reliving some wonderful memories from long ago. He was singing one of my favorite songs from the 60s. The song was by “Jay and the Americans” (what a wonderfully absurd name for a music group), the song that he was singing was, “This Magic Moment”.) I would encourage those who sadly were not able to experience the 60s to go to Spotify and experience what he was enjoying so much. As I listened to his lilting voice, I was transported back to a homecoming dance in 1968. I was on the dance floor with my girlfriend at the time, and I was whispering the words in her ear when this song was being played. It was a magic moment long buried by so many turbulent times. Isn’t it amazing that music can produce that kind of time travel!

But it occurred to me that this gentleman was bringing me a life lesson that I absolutely must incorporate into each day. First of all, he cared not a whit that the entire neighborhood was listening to each note that flowed from his mouth. He was lost in the moment. I desperately need to be lost in every moment that I am given and stop caring if others are listening in. But the other life lesson was the fact that he recognized an experience that he needed to celebrate in that moment… And to do it with his whole heart. Are you able to identify those memories that are trying to re-emerge and be celebrated today? And are you willing to sing it out with your whole heart? Not celebrate it exactly the way my friend did it this morning but in your unique style. Just think of all the amazing wonderful and painful experiences you have had over the years that are worthy of being celebrated today! You don’t have to wait for retirement to do so… Find that memory or that song and sing it out with your whole heart.

Now I have to find a way to track my friend down and thank him for setting my life on a whole new direction that I was expecting! I am hoping that someday you’ll walk by my house singing at the top of your lungs.