“Windows to My Soul” By Justin March
“Sometimes, it’s not the song that makes you emotional, it’s the people and things that come to your mind when you hear it.”Author unknown
This quote about sums up everything I believe to be true in this life. Music has always been a huge part of who I am, and no matter what stage I am encountering along my journey, the harmonies and melodies accompany me.
When a dear friend sent me this message the other day, I knew he felt the same way too. We have been to countless concerts together, shared new band and album findings with one another, and relished in the emotions these notes conjure up inside our souls. Time stands still, and the negativity of the world around us ends, if even for just a short while.
I can probably tell you where I was at when I first heard the songs of my favorite musicians. I can tell you what was going on with my life, and I can tell you how the compositions made me feel. I can also recall every person that accompanied me in the hundreds of concerts I have been blessed to attend and how each of them have touched my life. My friends, this is what music does for me, and this deep appreciation helps me stay on track and remember how important the people in my life truly are.
As we draw closer to the Easter holiday, these same types of emotions are swelling inside me. I am feeling grateful, humbled, and emotional as I listen to the sermons about how Jesus survived the wilderness, helped the lame and poor, took down kings and their royal palaces, spent precious time with his disciples, and made sure that every minute counted during his short time on this Earth. He stood strong when faced with adversity, he never cowered from his enemies or non-believers, and he exuded love in every situation and scenario.
It took me a long time to understand how this Easter holiday made sense in my life. But once I figured it out, those precious emotions affected me as deeply as the music I love. Now, I too can tell you about what was going on in my life when I found out God was real. I can tell you about the loving people He surrounded me with and how their support and encouragement have transformed my life. And when I think about how His sacrifices and undying love for a sinner like me have been freely given, it is all I need to stay on track and appreciate the people He has brought into my life.
Each day brings us closer to the foot of the cross. Each day we are given the opportunity to spend time with friends, family, and loved ones. And each day we have the choice to wallow in our sorrow, heartache, and shame, or we can rejoice in our happiness, hope, and faith.
God has been gracious to me and my family, and He is asking us to spread our light into those dark places. He is asking us to relay His messages to everyone we encounter. And He is asking us to bring others with us as we journey to the cross. Thank you for being part of our journey and for holding our hands as we venture on. God is using you in miraculous ways, and I pray that this Easter season gives you a chance to slow down and appreciate the amazing people and the incredible ways He works in your life!
