Sing What I Sing

There is a classic Sesame Street song sung by Grover with Madeline Kahn. In his characteristic raspy voice, Grover tries to echo Madeline. Initially he sings right with her before learning what echo means. He learns to wait his turn, to listen and to match the tune and rhythm to the best of his ability. He feels like he will never master the "arioso" parts but keeps trying. As Grover sings with gusto, he feels her approval at his attempts.


The song is beautiful, but not because of Grover. The beauty of the song comes from the relationship developing, the following of a leader, the patterns that repeat and because of Madeline's voice. I love the ending, where Grover can't sing low to follow her lead. He finally sings high, applying something he's heard before in the song.

If Jesus was The Singer who echoed God's song on earth, I can also be a singer who learns to echo Jesus' voice. I can begin to feel his approval as I slow down to listen and I can try to sing his song. My first attempts are not pretty, full of discord as I do my own thing. I may never get it just right, and my voice will always be raspy because that's who I am. Yet, as I learn to follow the melody and rhythm with more accuracy, I will gradually get more in step with him. The music will be sweet to his ears and that will bring me joy.

As I hear how he improvises, I will catch the joy of those moments and will try to follow into new territory. It will take a lifetime of trying, but I know that he loves me unconditionally in spite of my failures. The joy of being in his arms and feeling his approval at my attempts will cover me with peace. That's the song I want to continue singing today.




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Unexpected Beauty

There is snow and then there is fluffy snow. Today everything is becoming frosted in freshness as large flakes waft down steadily. With little wind blowing, the flakes are settling on top of everything, sticking evenly and outlining what is beneath. No longer is the ice, sand and salt visible, as beauty is everywhere. I chose this morning to enjoy the beauty. I know the slippery ice is still there as well as all the dirt and grime from yesterday. Yet I would be missing out on fresh joy if I focused instead on the ice. I'm thinking too of the loses in life that are out of my control to change. It's one thing to feel sad and mourn that loss but it's my choice whether to focus on it totally or look for fresh beauty. Today I want to start a "Beautiful" list, topped by today's snowfall and the names of special people in my life. After that, only time will tell what I will add as I intentionally look for beauty all around me.
Read more

The joy Inside

Here in Canada, we are celebrating Thanksgiving. I love this early October celebration as the trees start to change and show their true colours. It's like we are finally getting a real glimpse of the inner beauty hidden inside some the trees. It takes the harshness of the weather conditions and the lack of nourishment to bring out that colour. In the same way, it often takes the hard times of life and it's challenges to bring what's inside me. Sometimes it's ugly and sometimes it's beautiful but it makes me more aware of me. I am good at pretending; of smiling and thinking all is well. When the hurtful words come out, I'd like to blame my circumstances or other people, because then it's not my fault. It's taken time, but I'm learning to accept myself with my unique colours and allow God to work on the stuff than needs removing. I'm so thankful today for the bits of love, joy and peace that I have experienced in this past year. I see that n
Read more

Performance Appraisal time

Where do I begin? The lesson plan was written up, the Grade 2/3 Library class was chosen and the day and time were set. The rubric was posted for the lesson and all was set to go. Then the unexpected began. As the principal walked into the Library, I had my Grade One class. I had been thinking, "This will be a dry run for next period." Now I realized I had to deal with the behaviours as well as teach a lesson that I had planned for older children. She had my lesson plan in front of her so I knew I couldn't deviate and change things too much. I was exhausted at the end but felt things went as well as they could with that particular class. Then I began the same lesson with the Grade 2/3's, wondering if she would be slipping back in to observe as planned. When I pulled out the book to begin, the students quickly said, "You've read that book to us before!" I had totally forgotten! That information would not have been advantageous. As I kept going, I start
Read more