The Language of Music
I live in a musical family. It all started with my mother-in-law. She played the piano and sang. She had two sisters, and together they were known as the Bowman Sisters. They would sing at churches and nursing homes, and they would often invite themselves to the church I was pastoring—whether I wanted them to or not! I suppose that was just part of being in the family.
My wife, Ann, is not quite as pushy. She enjoys playing the piano and will sing on occasion. My daughter, Kate, enjoys playing the bassoon and the piano for the Praise Team at her church. So, yes, I belong to a musical family. As for me—not so much. The only thing I play is my radio or CD player. I never learned to play an instrument. I wasn't disciplined enough, and, truth be told, I'm still not.
I will say this: I love listening to music. Music becomes the language of my soul. One hymn I especially love is Tell Out, My Soul, the Greatness of the Lord. To me, it is a beautiful example of communicating my love for Jesus and what He has done for me. I discovered the joy of music when I was a freshman in high school. With my three-dollar allowance, I bought an album called Boléro, composed by Maurice Ravel. I would listen to it over and over again.
The only music my parents had in the house was either Country and Western or church music. Suddenly, I discovered a whole new world simply by listening to something different. And I wanted more. So, I have been on a musical journey ever since.
Music is a way of opening my heart to the experiences I have with Christ. Even in the Bible, there are more than 400 references to music, singing, and musical expression from Genesis to Revelation. For me, music provides a spiritual elevation of the heart as I imagine God reaching out and touching me. I could go on and on, but—no! I will say that I am not simply talking about religious music. I am talking about the rhythms and sounds of God's creation. It is music to my ears.
While I may sound like I have gone off the rails, I would encourage you to take time each day to listen. There is always good music out there. We just need to find it. And perhaps, in doing so, we will find God.
Just a Thought, Not a Sermon!
My wife, Ann, is not quite as pushy. She enjoys playing the piano and will sing on occasion. My daughter, Kate, enjoys playing the bassoon and the piano for the Praise Team at her church. So, yes, I belong to a musical family. As for me—not so much. The only thing I play is my radio or CD player. I never learned to play an instrument. I wasn't disciplined enough, and, truth be told, I'm still not.
I will say this: I love listening to music. Music becomes the language of my soul. One hymn I especially love is Tell Out, My Soul, the Greatness of the Lord. To me, it is a beautiful example of communicating my love for Jesus and what He has done for me. I discovered the joy of music when I was a freshman in high school. With my three-dollar allowance, I bought an album called Boléro, composed by Maurice Ravel. I would listen to it over and over again.
The only music my parents had in the house was either Country and Western or church music. Suddenly, I discovered a whole new world simply by listening to something different. And I wanted more. So, I have been on a musical journey ever since.
Music is a way of opening my heart to the experiences I have with Christ. Even in the Bible, there are more than 400 references to music, singing, and musical expression from Genesis to Revelation. For me, music provides a spiritual elevation of the heart as I imagine God reaching out and touching me. I could go on and on, but—no! I will say that I am not simply talking about religious music. I am talking about the rhythms and sounds of God's creation. It is music to my ears.
While I may sound like I have gone off the rails, I would encourage you to take time each day to listen. There is always good music out there. We just need to find it. And perhaps, in doing so, we will find God.
Just a Thought, Not a Sermon!
Recent
Archive
2026
March
June
2025
October