Every now and then a song comes along that moves our family.
This past month Yiruma's River Flows in You has been that song.
This past month Yiruma's River Flows in You has been that song.
As I'd listen to instrumental holiday music while putting India to sleep this Christmas season, Yiruma's song would come on every here and there. Each time I found myself carried away and wondering more of the composer.
Finally, one day I looked him up, his song too...and I asked Brodie if he'd try to learn to play the song for me.
He obliged. :)
He obliged. :)
One of the greatest gifts God has offered our family is the gift of music. We never signed up for piano at the perfect age of five. We never took guitar lessons. But, what we HAVE always done is prayed...
We've prayed for God's will for our children's lives. We've asked Him to bless them with desires that align with His will for them. We've sought His ability to infuse our children with talents and interests that He would have them pursue and He has been abundantly faithful to do so.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,
plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Jeremiah 29:11
We aren't the types to force our kids into things that WE think is right for them. We do a lot of listening, guiding, buffering, and every now and then we close a door. But, for the most part, we await God's plans for our children, try to say yes as often as possible, and believe with our whole heart that He will accomplish His will in each of their lives.
Apart from our failures, inadequacies, and the many things we will surely do wrong along this parenting journey, God WILL have His way with each child He's blessed us with. He WILL use them for His glory. His plans cannot be thwarted. The music in our home, despite our lack of formal lessons, proves it.
I listen intently to the melodies flowing through my son's fingertips...the one who never took a lesson. He plays beautifully.
There is emotion in his music that dwells beyond his years. He feels the song. And I do too.
There is emotion in his music that dwells beyond his years. He feels the song. And I do too.
I wash dishes in another room while guitar strings strum. A daughter, she too never a lesson, plays from her heart and God's heart as she sings for His glory and leads us all in worship. And I marvel at what I've not done to achieve all of this.
But God, this is His doing. He's given the children His song. He's given them gifts from Him.
What I do or don't do cannot thwart His plans. The music in our home proves it.
What I do or don't do cannot thwart His plans. The music in our home proves it.
"Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me."
Psalm 27:10
"Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!"
Psalm 95:1
(This is the song that started it all for Brodie.)
(And another inspiration.)
(Another excellent reminder that God is in control no matter what.)
"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."
Proverbs 19:21