I recently came across a touching video on Youtube. It demonstrates the power of music. The main character is an older man who has resided in a nursing home for 18 years. For the most part, he does not speak or communicate with others. Things changed dramatically when music was introduced. Not just any music. Music that he loved. The change in his demeanor and his ability to converse with others is amazing.
As I was watching this I wondered if music had the same effect on everyone. While I think music in general can have a profound affect, this man’s response seemed extraordinary. What could make him respond this way? The key is in what his daughter said. She described him as a man that loved music. As she spoke, I could just see him with his small children enjoying the popular music of his time. Teaching them to love music through his enthusiasm.
That must be the key. He loved music. He wanted to share his love of music with those he loved. It was this love of music and exposure to music that enabled him, at a time when he could not relate to others around him, to have something beautiful to think about. This alone is a good reason to surround yourself with beautiful, pure and lovely things. The more we surround ourselves with beautiful things, the more we have to draw from when and if we come to a point in our lives that we cannot relate to others.
If we surround ourselves with God’s beautiful creation or beautiful pieces of artwork, if we place these beautiful things deep in our memory, then if the day were to come that we lose our sight or if we find ourselves in a situation that is not so lovely, we can draw on the memories of these beautiful things to help us cope. If we surround ourselves with beautiful music — whatever kind makes us happy — we can draw on the memory of this music when we are in times of difficulty to bring us peace and joy. Reading and memorizing great works of literature or meaningful poetry can do the same thing. When we are down and out or in ill health or just in a difficult time of life, these comforting words can help us get through. What a wonderful gift to give ourselves. Fill our minds with beautiful scenes, beautiful thoughts and beautiful music. No one can take it away from us.
In addition to and more important than music, scenery and thoughts is the word of God. We should be filling our minds with God’s word in an effort to learn more about Him and what He wants from us. We should also fill our minds with God’s word so we can hide it in our heart to be remembered when times are difficult. I spend a lot of time with my children and my students memorizing fairly large chunks of scripture. It’s not just a mental exercise. It is my desire that they will someday be able to use the scripture they have hidden away to comfort either themselves or someone else in time of need. Memorize some of the wonderful poetry God has given us or some of the great truths Jesus spoke in the sermon on the mount. Memorize things that build up and encourage us to continue following God even if we are thrown in the “lion’s den”.
Surround ourselves with beautiful things, things that build up, things that bring joy and happiness. Enthusiastically, give the gift of these things to others — especially our children. Hopefully, when we are old and going through difficult times, our children will remember our love of these things and share them with us again as the young lady at the nursing home did in the youtube video.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy -— think on these things. Philippians 4:8
Thanks for sharing! This is amazing!
:)
Diana, thanks for this blog. As you know from the Silsbee singing school, I love music & to sing. I came from a family who sang & we were joyful. During my last years as a public school Speech Pathologist, I met a music therapist who helped teach children school material thru music & she was a delight to watch as were the children. Have a great day! And I can relate to staying up lately at times!
I had thought I would be a music therapist. Other things caused me to change my mind. I’ve always been fascinated with the whole idea of it. One thing I wanted to mention in this blog entry (before it got so long) was to encourage any of my young musician friends to consider it as a way to share their music and help people at the same time.