I had a lovely conversation this week with a friend and encourager. We were discussing how “anyone can sing!” – as we are both musical enthusiasts.
It was sadly interesting, as we both had stories to share of hearing that we’re not good enough to make music… for me, it was a grade school teacher who said I ought never to sing in a choir.
So, I stopped singing. For a long time. At least in public – for singing has always brought me joy!
My friend noted that if someone is less than stellar in other subjects, we don’t kick them out of class – we do our best to teach them. For that is how we lift one another up – through teaching, not through exclusion.
What a great reminder as we consider all manner of connection: admittedly not everyone is meant to do every thing – even if they do enjoy it. We can’t all be professional singers (I’m not!) or athletes (I’m *really* not!) or physicists or… but we can try, and if these things bring us joy, then there are options to find a system that ‘fits’.
It was sadly interesting, as we both had stories to share of hearing that we’re not good enough to make music… for me, it was a grade school teacher who said I ought never to sing in a choir.
So, I stopped singing. For a long time. At least in public – for singing has always brought me joy!
My friend noted that if someone is less than stellar in other subjects, we don’t kick them out of class – we do our best to teach them. For that is how we lift one another up – through teaching, not through exclusion.
What a great reminder as we consider all manner of connection: admittedly not everyone is meant to do every thing – even if they do enjoy it. We can’t all be professional singers (I’m not!) or athletes (I’m *really* not!) or physicists or… but we can try, and if these things bring us joy, then there are options to find a system that ‘fits’.
For me these days, I love singing with a community choir; even when I hit the wrong notes, or struggle to learn a piece. (A favourite from our concert last month: https://youtu.be/q9voFOQn5JM )
Just because someone long ago said I couldn't sing, doesn't mean that I have to keep listening to that voice now - and indeed, I don't! But I do remember it - as a cautionary tale, to do my best not to have a negative impact on someone else.
I’m grateful for the people who were the encouragers along my path, and who continue to build up my involvement and enjoyment. I aspire to do the same with others – in the church, in the community, in life in general.
We never know when we might be making an impact in someone’s life; and we can hope that our words and actions will be for the building up of those we encounter.
Heb 10.24-25a “let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another”
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