How Can I Keep From Singing?

The Elementary Music program at our school this week is on the theme of music in our world, which got me to thinking about how God has revealed himself through the beauty of the world around us and my spirit’s response to it. When we were in Turkey last year, we visited an area in the interior of the country called Cappadocia. The landscape was breathtaking, and Don commented that it was as if ethereal music rose from the very ground and echoed in our spirits. I ’ve often felt my heart sing when looking at the night sky, the ocean, or majestic mountains. When we view such things, how can we keep from singing? I hope you enjoy the video at the end of this post.

How Can I Keep From Singing?


Traditional Shaker Hymn
Public domain


My life goes on in endless song

above earth's lamentations,

I hear the real, though far-off hymn

that hails a new creation

Through all the tumult and the strife

I hear its music ringing

It sounds an echo in my soul

how can I keep from singing?


While though the tempest loudly roars

I hear the truth, it liveth!

And though the darkness 'round me close

songs in the night it giveth.

No storm can shake my inmost calm

while to that rock I'm clinging.

Since Love is Lord of heaven and earth

how can I keep from singing?


When tyrants tremble in their fear

and hear their death knell ringing,

when friends rejoice both far and near

how can I keep from singing?

In prison cell and dungeon vile

our thoughts to them are winging when

friends by shame are undefiled

how can I keep from singing?

Bliss

What a month it’s been! High School Festival, Middle School Festival, teaching, working at the Church, and no time for play—until last Sunday…

I pulled into our driveway after church around 12:30, full of curiosity as to why Don and Marla didn’t make it to worship. They’d been up at 7:30 when I left for rehearsal, and we’d planned to meet at 10:30. Don’s car was in the carport, but he and Marla were nowhere to be seen. I called and walked around the house wondering where they could be when my eye registered the fact that the pickup truck that we’d borrowed from Don’s sister was missing.

I knew where they were! Changing into shorts and walking shoes I set off down the street toward the lake with my camera, hoping to catch a picture of them before they noticed me.



“Marla asked me to take her fishing,” Don said with a smile.
“I bet she didn’t have to ask twice.” I gamely replied.

They had spent several hours fishing, catching frogs, and watching the Tilapia shoot through the water.

Marla and I strolled along the shore, looking for water hyacinths that might be close enough to reach and enjoyed the serenity that the beautiful day inspired.



Later that day I reflected on the bliss that being near water brings to my spirit. Whenever we vacation, I lobby for the beach, as I can’t seem to get enough of the ocean, sand, waves, birds, and glorious skies. Time spent in such places seems to restore a sense of balance and peace to my mind and life.

We’re trying to think of creative ways to recharge this summer—we won’t be able to rent a condo at the beach this year, the budget’s just too tight, but maybe a few afternoons a week of fishing, bird-watching, and beautiful skies will be a nice substitute.