Tuesday, May 13
- Scripture: Isaiah 55:12 – “The mountains and hills will burst into song before you.”
- Reflection: Everything becomes easier with music. Difficult projects and hard labor grow more rhythmic and unified when people sing together. When humans sing, we change our breathing. We inhale and exhale more consistently.
We engage both sides of the brain and are required to focus. Music also occupies multiple parts of the brain, and thus allows access to aspects of the brain that may even have been cut off due to disease processes, allowing pathways to light up for brief periods of time. We associate certain songs with certain seasons, and they reside deep in the core of our memory and identity. In the darkest of times, a song can create hope and resilience.
Most creatures sing to each other to attract partners and perpetuate life. Song is embedded in the world around us.
Music allows all of creation — including humans — to rejoice. This scripture reminds us to savor joy. Or at least to immerse ourselves in song, and find some respite and peace. The world knows the wisdom of music. And humans know it, too, when we take the time to remember so. - Spiritual Practice Prompt: Create a playlist of songs that help you to celebrate nature and joy.
Song:
- “Joyful, Joyful” by Lauryn Hill: https://youtu.be/0cdZha6s2gY?si=XQ7J8JAo9QwwjUgC
Joy is the simplest form of gratitude. — Karl Barth
Spring Devotional: May 13