Music & Memories

Music has a way of taking us back to a certain time and place. It brings back memories of people we were with and emotions we felt. The simple sound of familiar songs immediately conjures of all kinds of memories. There are way too many to mention, but here's a sampling of what I'm talking about...

Several songs bring to mind memories of my brother. My brother is the bold performer among the two of us, but his confidence always gave me courage. One of our "twosome" songs was "These Eyes" to which we never really knew the words, but we managed to mumble along and make up our own. It was one of our trademarks. It's been nearly 2 years since I've seen my brother and his beautiful family, but to this day, each time I hear that song, I have flashbacks of those fun, crazy times.

There are the songs my husband and I claimed as "ours" during our dating days. There was that first song we couple skated to nearly 21 years ago ~ "Never Thought that I Could Love." And then there's Debbie Gibson's "Lost In Your Eyes," Steven Curtis Chapman's "I Will Be Here," and most recently, oldies but goodies, "The Way You Look Tonight" and "At Last." All hold special meaning and significance.

A couple years ago, it was a family day and all my guys were ready to go out to lunch. I was the only one not ready. I still had to put on my make-up and do my hair. Led by my husband, they all sat or sprawled out on my bed, patiently waiting for me. Unbeknownst to me, my husband cued up the song "My Girl." As I applied my make-up in the full-length mirror, I had a clear view of them sitting on my bed, belting out the lyrics to that song. My guys. My 4 men. To this day, each time I hear that song, I smile at the memory of that sweet, sweet day.

There are particular songs which cause me to gush with overwhelming love for our boys. When our firstborn was a baby, I'd take him in my arms and dance around the livingroom to Amy Grant's "Baby, Baby." And of course, there were the multiple times I rocked our boys in my arms, listening to and singing "I Wanna Be Just Like You" by Phillips, Craig, & Dean. And Wayne Watson's "Watercolor Ponies" always hits me hard...these days because the artwork is already disappearing from my fridge, and our boys are fast becoming young men. Coupled with that song, of course, is "Somewhere In the World" and "Find Your Wings." What can I say? I'm hopelessly nostalgic and sentimental...and yes, you can say it. Sappy.

I hear David Crowder's "O Praise Him" and think of laying in the top of a triple-decker bunk bed while in New Orleans 2 years ago. Laying in our dark room with the high school girls I love so dearly, we were beginning to wind down after a long day of Katrina-related work projects. Out of the darkness came an angelic voice. It was my dear Kirsten singing "O Praise Him." I fell asleep that night to the sound of her singing praises to Jesus. I'll never forget it.

Steven Curtis Chapman's "Miracle of the Moment" became dear to me a year ago as my heart & soul friend prepared for her far away move. God gave us that song in our final weeks together...a reminder to enjoy, invest, and make the most of the days we shared together. There are other songs I hear---mostly by Selah---which make me feel connected to her, simply because of our shared love and appreciation for their profound ministry.

I'm so grateful for the gift of music. It moves me. It speaks to me. It challenges me. And yes, it helps me remember and give thanks for all that's been...and all that's yet to be.