angel of music

Christine could not escape the angel of music in Phantom of the Opera & here, in my real life fairytale, neither can I. No matter where I go I seem surrounded by music--it plays at work, we play it in the car, I turn it on when I get home, & even when there is no music playing I can hear it in my head. Sounds a little crazy, huh? My love for music started at a young age, but didn't really blossom until I learned to play the flute. After going to college I thought I lost my angel of music with all the excitement of a new life, but this summer, I found her again, & I refuse to let her fly away.

Music has been a passion of mine since I was little. My dad used to work on new housing developments by screwing the plywood panels to the floor to prevent squeaky floors. My brothers, sister, & I were always wanting to go & help him. Going with dad meant drinks from QT, a night away from homework, & hearing country music echo through the skeleton of a new house. If I were the unfortunate child to be left at home, I would get to help mom around the house while music poured out of the stereo. The music we listened to talked about life & the Lord. The sacred music of the Herbsters, WILDS, & various school & college groups reminded me that God is in everything; I should be praising the Lord in my everyday life. We also listened to secular music--mostly country. The songs spoke about life, real life, & I loved that. It was then that the angel of music became real to me. I no longer wanted to just listen to music; I wanted to be the one making the music.

As I grew, so did the music. I still enjoyed the Herbsters & country music, but I also learned to enjoy classical music, & let's not forget the magic of Christmas music. In fifth grade I began taking flute lessons. Our house growing up was so small & when I had to practice, piece & quiet were no where to be found in the 900 square foot house. After struggling thru scales, triplets, & arpeggios, I was able to play music. Mrs. Collier was called to another ministry after two years of lessons with her. I felt lost. I didn't want to give up what I had struggled for two years to learn. That's when the Lord sent me Elaine. Elaine became my angel of music for the next 7 years. I am so glad the Lord brought her into my life. I really began to appreciate the talent that God had given me. I had to work hard to progress & amidst all the hard work I realized that I had fallen in love with my flute. I no longer had to listen to the radio or a CD, I could play.

The Lord opened a huge door to me with music. I loved preparing for the fine arts competition at my school, but I found the most enjoyment in participating in youth orchestra & playing specials for my church.

College dropped me into a new & exciting world. I was ready for whatever the Lord brought my way, however, I was unable to play my flute because of expenses. At first, it didn't bother me--I still practiced when I could, but it wasn't the same. First semester I played a little with a church orchestra, but I yearned to do more. I felt like I had lost my angel of music. It really hit home when a friend asked how long I had played the flute after he overheard me practicing. I was shocked; it hit me that very few of my friends knew that I took private lessons for 8-9 years & even fewer knew how well I played. At that moment, I felt like I had lost my angel of music. How had I gone a whole semester without practicing 4 hours a week?

Among the whirlwind of changes that second semester brought me was the opportunity to revive my angel & fly on the wings of music. I found a new extension church that I will have a hard time leaving when I finish my degree. The ministry of music that Windsor opened to me is well worth the hour and a half drive from campus. At Windsor, I am able to accompany congregational singing with my flute & sing in the choir. I have also been asked to play specials & was even able to sing with a group for a special (something I had never dreamed of doing). Back home, my music ministry opportunities are limited. With a church full of talented musicians, it's hard to find a place to be heard. I love my church home, but as September inches closer I anticipate my return to Windsor & the ministry God has called me to there. After sitting discontentedly through a few music concerts last year I have resolved to audition for orchestra this year. I don't want to be just another member of the audience. I want to be one fifty combining together to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. I want to be someone else's angel of music.

I still love singing along to the Herbsters & country love songs. I can hardly stand doing anything (except maybe homework) without music floating thru the air. But it's the music I make with the talent God has given me that brings me the most pleasure. My angel of music, like Christine's, lives in my heart.