When I was a teenager I used to take long walks in the woods behind our home. I found it a great way to clear my head, a good way to calm my spirit, and a wonderful way to connect to something greater than myself. I cherished the peace that it gave me.

As I was walking back to our house one day, I heard something that gave me even more peace than my stroll through the forest had. A window of our home was open and I could hear music playing from our old record player. Carried along on that stream of music was something I hardly ever heard too: the lovely sound of my Mother singing.

Now my Mom rarely sang unless she was alone. I guess she was shy about having others hear her. She would quietly join in on the hymns at church but I could never make out her voice among all the others. This time, though, I heard her singing sweetly and softly. I didn’t want her to stop so I snuck softy up to the side of the house and sat under the open window. It was so beautiful. Her loving spirit seemed to flow through every word. I felt like I was a baby boy again listening to her lullabies and feeling safe, warm, and loved. I sat there for a long while with a smiling face and a happy heart.

As I think back on that day I am reminded of the story of a boy who was weeping inconsolably because his pet canary who had sang so beautifully and brought joy to the entire family had died. His tears only stopped when a wise lady reminded him that “There are other worlds to sing in.” I know that one day in the world to come I will see Mom again and hear her sweet voice sing once more. Until then I will do my best to sing my own song here in this world. Until then I will do my best to share the love and music God gave me. May you do the same. May you make your entire life a song of love, sweet to hear and joyful to sing.