The music draws me in. As I walk up the steps I hear the music playing. The music welcoming me with its melody. The sounds reminding me of churches past and the organ music that kept playing. The music that always keeps singing.
I give thanks for the hymns of old and of today.
For the notes that come to life.
For the words that bring healing to my soul.
For the melodies that reside in my bones.
I picture the hands of the organists and pianists. Some young. Some frail. Some that have played for decades. Some that stumble and some that soar.
The music tells me of God’s love.
I hear the sounds of the band warming up. The flute, the keyboards, the drums, the guitars.
I give thanks for their beat that stirs my heart and taps my feet.
I see smiles and determination in playing the notes.
I hear the joyful and soulful refrains.
I close my eyes and feel the beauty of the Lord.
I see young and old swaying to the music.
The music tells me of God’s love.
I see the choir come forward. The music in their hands. The joy in their faces. The choir director lifts her hands, eyes focused on her.
I give thanks for their breathing together and offering their voices in song. For the hours spent practicing and learning the rhythms. A gift for all to hear. The words touching my soul. My daughter captivated by the songs.
The music tells me of God’s love.
I see the community singing.
I see them offer their voices together.
I hear voices out of tune and voices singing angelically.
I hear words passed down through the generations.
I see the faith of communities as knowns through song.
I give thanks for the those who sing loud and off-key.
I give thanks for those who sing in a whisper.
I give thanks for those who can’t sing anymore and for those who sing the words for them.
For voices high and low, young and old.
For voices seeking hope and voices facing sorrow.
We sing. We sing. We sing.
A blend of the saints.
Together, we offer the music to tell of God’s love.
Kimberly Knowle-Zeller is an ordained ELCA pastor, mother of two, and spouse of an ELCA pastor. She lives with her family in Cole Camp, MO. You can read more at her website: http://kimberlyknowlezeller.com or follow her work on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyKnowleZeller/