Tonight I went to choir practice, after a 6-week absence due to my class schedule and vacation schedule, and it was great. And my soul was refreshed. And I realized how blessed I am to have a choir community--a place to sing and worship, all at the same time.
There's just something about harmonizing with others, making beautiful music, and raising our voices in worship that brings me a sense of peace and calm.
Some of my favorite memories are singing with friends and family...
- Singing with my two cousins both when I was toddler and now as an adult (on the rare occasions that the three of us are in the same city at the same time--most often for weddings and funerals!)
- Singing with a group from choir at my high school convocation
- Singing in several high school and youth choir musicals
- Singing at family gatherings
- Singing with several church choirs
I've sung with church choirs big and small and though I love the robust sound of the larger choirs, I also love the community of the small choirs--how everyone knows everyone--those small choirs often became my family!
Now I sing with a larger choir and I certainly do not know everyone, but I am thankful for my friends Darlene, Debbie, Theresa, Christina and Linda who keep an eye on me, notice when I'm missing, check-in to see how I'm doing, and raise their beautiful voices in worship. I am truly blessed to sing with them, to stand beside them, and to be enveloped into their community.
How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing
--Chris Tomlin (Christian music artist)
