Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Music (03/08/07)
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TITLE: The Melody of Life | Previous Challenge Entry
By Vicki Chappelear
03/10/07 -
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It was not that she did not know the truth, for she had been told. Until almost a year ago, she had been our next-door neighbor. We, along with the neighbors on the other side of her, had shown her Jesus in many different ways. Visiting, cutting her lawn, shoveling her driveway and taking meals were just a few ways we tried to show her love. She loved the children so much-- all 9 of them. It was no surprise that when she lost her balance, fell and broke her hip last year, she had been standing at the window watching the kids ride their bikes.
We made sure that we visited her. Her only living relative, a granddaughter who lives out of state, did what she could to be there. We all tried to encourage her. Spend any time with her and you soon realize that all of her security was wrapped up in her money. She had “enough” money she told us. We knew, however, no amount of money was “enough” to get her into heaven. Our neighbors had explained to her, in no uncertain terms, that she needed something else besides money when her life on earth was over. What had she chosen in her last few moments on earth? Did she hold on to her wealth or did she trust Jesus with eternity?
There were 17 of us under the canopy. Twelve of us were neighbors that lived on either side of her beloved house. We listened to the hired man from the funeral home speak, saddened that he had not taken this opportunity to share the salvation afforded by Christ’s death and resurrection.
As he was speaking, I became keenly aware of what was around me. I heard the weed-eaters cutting the grass around the headstones. There were cars going about their business. I felt the hot August breeze and heard it rustling through the trees. I saw a squirrel scurrying between the tombstones. I heard cicadas buzzing in the trees, and a precious little girl tired of being held by mama and wanting down. Then it hit me. These sounds, nothing spectacular in themselves, but together they make up the melody of life. It is the song that will go on.
I was taken back at this moment, what part do I play in this song? Am I a soprano, alto, tenor or bass? Do I play an instrument or help with sound equipment? Am I singing or playing loud enough? Or too loud? Am I singing the words given to me or have I made up my own words? I know that God has given me specific talent. Have I recognized it? Am I using it to its full potentional?
As we listened to the instrumental arrangement of Amazing Grace, I realized that I must be willing to play my part. I must practice regularly to insure that I am doing my best to glorify God as I sing along to this song of life. What part do you play? Are you glorifying God with your melody?
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