Unforgettable. Thanks to technology, Nat King Cole and daughter Natalie croon in duet—after his death. Across time and uncrossable space, two singular voices harmonize.
Might there be a hidden message for us?
Can I be honest? Out of shape and out of sorts, I’m edgy tonight. Worn down by the day’s relentless details. Dreading tomorrow. I’d sing, but I’m too busy whistling in the dark.
It’s heartening to remember God listens and cares about bad days. The grousing weariness, the sorrow, the please-please-don’t-mess-with-me-now thoughts that race through our heads.
The up side? Could be we’re voicing accidental psalms. Which implies we’re heading toward hope, as most psalms do.
Naturally, Hamster Brain amps up its running commentary: “You better not . . . You really should . . . IF ONLY . . .”
Then this: The memory that an unforgettable God sings over us (Zephaniah 3:16-17).
The LORD your God is in the midst of you . . . Let not your hands sink down or be slow and listless . . . [God] will rejoice over you with joy . . . [and] exult over you with singing (Amplified Bible).
Seems God finds us “unforgettable, too.”
Eons before my father cheered me up on car trips with weird duets (his rhythmic oompahs to my “Daisy, daisy”), music underscored burgeoning life. The Bible describes a conflicted guy named Job who was divinely reminded, among other things, of a time when the morning stars sang together (Job 38:7).
Whether you take this verse literally or metaphorically, from the beginning sound underscored our unfolding universe. Perhaps to this day the heavenly bodies chime in with their descant over God’s thrumming bass line: “It’s still good.”
I believe the heavens witness our groans and questions. Our doubts and cries. Far-reaching as light still en route from ten million stars, long-retired, God’s extravagant gesture of love extends itself to us. Voiced, or not, it lasers through darkness. Sings over us.
Hints of that resonance beckon us through creation, each other, and those we love. The more we listen, the more we find our part in the continuing duet. And lose it. And find it again. We re-enter it over and over, feeling our way forward, sometimes whistling in the dark. But never alone.
Listen: Somewhere, the Lord of the Starfields is singing.
MAKING IT PERSONAL:
What’s stealing your song this week?
Consider spending time this week listening to quiet music you love. Or meander under the wide night sky. What do you hear? What do you wish you could un-hear?
Afterward, consider writing about your experience. Try a list. Or pen a letter to God, or yourself, or another person. Maybe you sense a duet with two distinct voices. Use two colors of ink to record the conversation.
Or create a poem. A deliberate psalm. TIP: The moments we capture with language stay with us longer.
I don’t recall reading this post or the “chime-ins” before. I’ve heard that the planets and stars sing. I believe that the trees clap their hands, and even stones cry out. And I’ve cherished, more than once, that God sings over me. The idea that He sings at all, (let alone, over little ole me!), blesses me to the very depths of my soul. He sings! I close my eyes and hear Him singing in the rapids of the creek flowing past… an eternal lovesong that comforts, restores, replenishes, renews. Thank you, Laurie, for the invitation to be still and listen.
I’m grateful to be reminded of this today, Pacia. It staggers the imagination, doesn’t it. I will be listening closely as I step outside in a few minutes. I was always fascinated by the mysterious “music of the spheres,” wondered if I’d ever hear it. Maybe today . . . 🙂
This is wonderful. I was laying in my hammock at our cabin in the woods today just listening. We lose the skill when we don’t practice it. It was so calming to hear things I normally dismiss. Peaceful and food for my spirit.
Jan, what a good day for time in a hammock! It’s good for me today to be reminded by your response that even practicing a skill, be it listening, or something else, can calm and nourish us.
Laurie, I’ve been pondering the Song of God for several months; the music of the spheres.
You wrapped up the idea Beautifully. Thank you.
Thank you, Jody. That phrase (“the music of the spheres”) captivated me in childhood (when my aunt spoke about it) and never let me go.
Thanks for dropping by! It’s always lovely to hear from a fellow poet and musician.
Laurie, only a few days ago, I began contemplating what I had always missed in the verse you quote. It was not the fact that He sings “over us” that touched me. What struck me was that God SINGS! I can imagine Jesus singing in the Jerusalem temple, gathered with others to worship, but to ponder God the Father…singing…was new, provoking, and soothing, and me me feel exultant. God sings! I want to speak it over and over. God sings! God sings! Think of it! God is a singer! Why, of course, but it has just broken upon my heart and now I know Him a bit better.
It is heart-boggling, isn’t it! And the way you write of it here makes me breathe deeper, sit straighter, suffused a-new with wonder. Thank you!
I found my whole being…chilling. Ahhh.
Gail, how wonderful. We all need that. Especially in this heat!
Thank u, thank u Laurie so much for doing this. The spirit that God has given u is such a gentle, touching voice of compassion that helps me see and feel more connected to myself, others and to God. U r a blessing to me and to many others.
Diane, thank you for these beautiful words. Such an encouragement!
Laurie, I LOVED reading this! It was so timely for my life right now. I feel so encouraged and thankful to the Lord for your willingness to be His scribe. Love you!
Blessings on you, beautiful Kelly. I’m so glad the words and music spoke to your season of life. Thanks for telling me.
Laurie. What a wonderful gift to find in my mailbox today! I love your whole site.
Barb, I’m glad we can connect this way during the summer (seeing as I am the Great Hiker Slacker!). Love following your adventures via Facebook.
love this one, laurie.
Thanks, Carol! It was fun pulling it together. Let’s each listen for our “part” today and give it our all!