Speaking of bursting into song the other day reminded me of the 4th of July morning when I was on my morning walk. It was early yet, the air was cool and there was a slight breeze, the sun was shining, and it was a delightful morning. We had been to the pavilion the evening before for the Houston Symphony patriotic concert, and one of the melodies still hummed in my head. So I started singing, “She’s a grand old flag, a high-flying flag, and forever in peace may she wave. The emblem of, the things we love, the home of the free and the brave.”
You know how sound carries on a quiet morning? I heard, from a walker a block away, came chiming in, then, off to the left down another street, two women walking along joined the chorus, and a lady giving her dog some air joined in from the front door. The song ended, we wished each other a good morning, and went away, each feeling a bit better because of that.
William Congreve, English poet and writer, in 1697 wrote, “Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak". We are only now beginning really to recognize the power music has. Farmers have known for some time animals respond, cows give more milk, hens lay more eggs, hogs fatten better, when the farmer plays soothing music. Mozart calms unruly classrooms.
Pastor cited a study Sunday showing even plants responded when music either was soothing or rock. (The flowers having to listen to rock music died!). Does that explain why many establishments given to entertainment play very loud music, to inhibit behavior?
But I’m getting away form my first thought. I was remembering a Reformation Chapel service at the Seminary. The chapel was filled with young voices, Rechlin, famed organist, was at the instrument, and the hymn was the Mighty Fortress. I remember seeing Rechlin playing full organ, tears streaming down his face, and after the service saying he had never been so moved by that hymn sung as it was by young men more or less trained to sing.
That happens during festival services today when the congregation sings a familiar hymn with a celebrating heart and joy filled minds because of the story of the salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
May God give us moments like that, rich in memory, to gladden the heart, enrich our lives, deepen our faith. And God bless the singing.
GPD 2/23/09
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