~music class

One of my musical memories from my childhood involves a roaming Music Teacher by the name of Mrs Navratil. She would come in to our class regularly. She would teach us solfège. She would sing with us. She would clap rhythms with us. She got me involved in choral singing. She was instrumental in shaping my appreciation for music.

Last year while in Guatemala, I had a "free" afternoon. I was involved in Women's Ministry, and we had a few open hours. So, I thought it would be fun to pop my head in to the Music Class that was running as part of the VBS program. I was instantly taken back to the in-school music classes of my childhood. So when the time came for us to be slotted in to various areas of ministry for this years trip, Music made the top of my list.

I spent my afternoons in Pampay along side a wonderfully talented, accomplished musician. One who wanted to share her love and joy for music with these impoverished children. Now some may argue... crafts? Music? What does that have to do with teaching them about God? They don't need music. They don't need crafts. They need more food... better shelter... to hear about Gods love for them. While those needs are real, they don't negate the need for a creative outlet. Most of us have experienced music in a way that perhaps these kids have not. We dance to it. We cry to it. We relate to it. We feel it in the core of our being. We have had opportunities in our lives, whether we are crafty and musical or not, to express ourselves in a creative way. These kids don't really have that same opportunity. These kids have never heard an orchestra play live. They have never seen a piano up close.

Music class was so fun. It was amazing to hear what the kids recalled from last year. "Ta ti ti ta". It was precious watching their faces and bodies as they listened to various styles of music, attempting to play along with "air instruments." But above all that, I was reminded of one thing...

I had always understood that we use music to glorify God.... and that He uses it is to speak to us. But the truth is, I had forgotten something. (Or, perhaps it was something I had never really thought about, and therefore had never really known.) God created Music. He created it for us to use to worship Him. He created it to use to speak to us. Wow. Once again, my heart was overwhelmed by this incredible gift He has given us.

Thank you friend for that reminder.
~cr