Truth Be Told
I have always loved to listen to music. Some of my best memories of my parents are from the 70s and 80s riding in the backseat with my brother while different rock and roll music was playing. My mom was a huge Elvis fan, and we would watch his movies on Sunday afternoons. My grandparents loved Gospel music; they had dozens of albums that they would play at different family holidays or special occasions. In elementary school I remember waiting for hours for my aunt and uncle to show up so we could open Christmas presents. My first vinyl album was Heart, "Little Queen" and John Mellencamp's, "American Fool" album. I listened to these albums for hours. At the time, I didn't really think there was anything better than listening to a great album.
Fast forward into high school and college, my music tastes grew in terms of what I was exposed to. Some of the music was awesome. Some of it was downright vulgar. I cringe thinking what my kids would think if they heard some of the music I listened to back then. Music has continued to play a part in my life as an adult. I have grown to love musicals and have been lucky enough to watch several broadway shows with my children. I always played various lullabies in the nursery when my kids were younger. Music has always been a part of our lives.
The past several years most of the music I listen to is Christian. I have found it centers me and helps keep my eye on what is important. My kids know most of the lyrics and don't really complain anymore when I automatically change the station in the car to my channel.
Recently I was listening to a female artist my daughter has had on her playlist. It's a very young perspective about love and break ups, but I wanted to listen and maybe find some aspect of the music that would give us something to talk about. The clean version is pretty good, but one lyric jumped out at me. It is a song called "Happier." It is about a couple that breaks up and the girl hopes the young man is happy but NOT happier than he was with her. I almost choked the first time I heard it. It really was about moving on but basically hoping that the other person is good but not great.
What struck me about this is when I was Trinity's age and even older, when I listened to music I related the songs to me and my situation. When I listen to Christian music, it shifts the focus off of me on to God, or it reminds me why I am here on this earth. It reminds me that putting good things in (faith-filled music) helps me put good things out (better attitude). I'm not saying my kids shouldn't listen to current music, but I very much believe that there can be a balance in their lives. Christian music and the music at Mass is always about God, Mary, grace, and love. Many people consider music at church as prayer. I guess I would say to have a balance in our lives of what brings us joy. Find an artist or song that moves you and brings you closer to God.
Truth Be Told - song for your day
