Interesting Lessons

Today I learned something extremely valuable. The power of song. More specifically, the power of song when you don't feel like singing.

I started feeling not so hot about a week ago. This is nothing unusual for me. I tend to get sick a lot. I lose my voice at least 3 times a year. I mean, really, if I can go six months with my voice in tact, I'm one lucky girl. So I lost my voice on Thursday in just enough time to go on a band trip. It came back for Friday, but by Saturday it had completely gone again. I have yet to regain it.

I know I should be used to it by now. I've been dealing with it for years. The first thing to go when I lose my voice is my speaking voice. A couple days later, my singing voice follows. I don't mean to toot my own horn. Honestly, I don't, but my singing, well... let's just say I can hold my own. When it gets to the point where my voice is scratchy and unattractive when I sing, I just stop singing. Sometimes it hurts. It physically hurts, or I am literally unable to produce a tone. Sometimes it hurts emotionally or it just hurts my ego and I'm embarrassed. It gets all nasty and nasal and I can't hit the pitches very well.

I realized today (I use the term very loosely because, in all reality, I just barely realized it a couple minutes ago while studying my scriptures) that in times where I can sing, just not well, it really is so much better to just sing. Music was put on this Earth for a reason. Usually, as with most things, the main reason is to point us toward Christ and invite the Spirit into our lives. If the Lord cared what my voice sounds like, why did he make my brother virtually tone deaf? Why is that lady who sits in the back of the congregation's voice so shrill?

I was given my talents to learn and to grow and to benefit others. Really, it's just as beneficial to me when my talents are taken from me for a short time. Doesn't it mean so much more to give something when it's hard for us?

I did not sing in institute today. I felt like I was doing the whole class a favor. I just learned that I was serving only myself and being entirely selfish. This is a very humbling lesson. I have resolved that I will never be so foolish again, because the blessings will always outweigh the sacrifice. Even if it does hurt the ears of whoever happens to be sitting next to me.

I am so grateful for this lesson and the potential it has to bring the Spirit more fully into my life! I have no doubt that it will be one of the most wondrous blessings I could possibly ask for.