SOUNDS

“Sound” is defined as vibrations transmitted through an elastic solid or a liquid or gas, with frequencies in the approximate range of 20 to 20,000 hertz, capable of being detected by human organs of hearing; transmitted vibrations of any frequency; the sensation stimulated in the organs of hearing by such vibrations in the air or other medium. 

That is quite a scientific definition I would say.  After reading and attempting to comprehend that definition, I am assured there was a good reason that Science was my absolute worst subject in school when it came to grades and understanding the subject matter.  In my comprehension, sound is what I hear with my ears.  Simple.

Since last Sunday’s church service, I have been making a conscious effort to pay attention to sounds in my daily life.  The Pastor had gotten up to do his message and told where he would be reading his scripture from for the message.  Since I was the organist that particular day, I was sitting in the front by the organ.  (I think sounds are louder there.)  As I began to turn the pages of my own Bible, I immediately stopped and listened to the sound of the many, many Bible pages turning in the congregation.   I always just want to close my eyes and listen and often I will find a tear escaping from my tear ducts.   I want everyone else to just be still and quiet and listen, too.  It's THAT good of a sound.   Let me tell you….that sound is one of my very favorites.  It represents to me the beauty of God’s Word and gives me comfort in my heart that many of those worshipping with me know that comfort also.  Last Sunday my heart just got warm and fuzzy and so full of joy.

I’ve heard the sound of my front porch wind chimes as they hit together when it gets a bit windy….can’t see that wind but can hear the effects of it.

I’ve heard the sound of the chirping of the birds as they fly around my yard with no cares.  I've even heard the birds singing loudly over the sound of heavy traffic in a heavy traffic area just yesterday in a metro area.  Now that's some kind of happy birds.

I’ve heard again the sound of the wrens as they fly in my wren house on the porch.   They DO have a distinctive sound.

I’ve heard  the sound of my 30 year old vaporizer run in the living room.  The Husband has had a sinus infection and a bit of strep this week.  Last night I listened to the sound of the gurgling and pumping of that vaporizer and realized from that sound that it’s pretty old and might not last too much longer.

I’ve heard the sound of a siren signaling an emergency situation.

I’ve remembered the sound of a little girl’s voice calling “Mama” in the middle of the night.  I ‘ve thought of how I, if not at first call, would waken and know something was amiss.  The sound of that one word just had some kind of fear when called in the middle of the night.

I love to hear the sound of children singing “Jesus Loves Me this I know”. 

Right now, I can hear the sound of a hammer and tools letting me know that The Husband is safe as he works outside.  Yes, you read correctly.  The Husband is working on his garage again.  Carefully so the not-completely-healed-yet-ribs stay together.

So next week, you pay attention to the sounds.  Close your eyes and just listen to what is going on around you.  Think of emotions that certain sounds bring....emotions of joy, happiness, comfort, sadness....you get the picture.  And, if you listen closely, you just might hear the sound of God’s voice in the most unlikely of areas.  His voice is there to hear EVERYWHERE.

Listen.

“Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound; they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.  In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.  For thou art the glory of their strength….”

Psalm 89: 15-17