Praising God with Music

"I could never do that," I said, amazed at hearing the most beautiful sounds and melodies as my new roommate played and plucked the strings of her gorgeous instrument.

"Sure you could!" she responded.

I wanted to tell her that actually, no, I wasn't given the talent of music and really couldn't do it. I had tried piano as a child, and the entire experience had been a miserable failure.

I was resigned to the belief that others had been given the gift of music, but not me.

"Of course you could," she said, "There many women, even later in life, taking up harp and playing many great tunes." Her insistence began to shake me from my beliefs and open my mind to what could be possible, if I wanted, really wanted, it.

And I really wanted music in my life.

The decision to learn to play the harp as an adult is one of my favorite decisions of my life.

Had I remained stuck in the belief that I could never play music, I would have never experienced the gifts of studying music in Ireland, or playing gigs for friends, or placing in the Irish music competition, or traveling to international festivals, or teaching children and other adults the joy of making music and learning something new.

This decision likewise coincided with a time in my life when my health and chronic illness improved, and making music on the harp has served as a specific and tangible way for me to praise and thank God for His healing and restoration in my life.

"So will I give you thanks with music on the lyre, for your faithfulness, O my God! I will sing your praises with the harp, O Holy One of Israel!" (Psalm 71:22)

You might not literally live out these words of this Psalm, but think about ways in which you feel called to praise God with your gifts and talents. Maybe this is the month/day/year when you step out and try something new as a way to give Him thanks.

I really wanted music in my life. // Mary Catherine CraigeClick to tweet

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