Turn Your Radio On

I had a very busy week at work last week.   Lots of long hours.  Mentally and physically stressful.  After a long day of work, I found my way to car for the ride home and turned to a frequent comfort in my life: music.  I turned on a CD and amazingly, in spite of feeling overwhelmed and exhausted from the  work day, I felt more refreshed as I got home.  There is an old saying which I fully believe by playwright William Congreve, "Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.”   I wholeheartedly agree.

As a matter of fact, music in a variety of forms has always been a great comfort to me.  Being a Christian since 1975, I grew up with the sounds of contemporary Christian music, such artists as the 2nd Chapter of Acts, Keith Green, Ken Medema, Glad, the Pat Terry Group and a host of others.  Thankfully, with the advent of YouTube, I've been able to rediscover these old songs.  I've  also developed a taste for some classical music over the years with deep appreciation for Beethoven and Handel.  Furthermore, my music interests have been complimented by some traditional country music by, dare I say it, Johnny Cash.

So, where do my music tastes lie today?  With the political season in gear, I mostly listen to talk radio.  However, since I have been a part of my church's choir for multiple years, I listen to numerous choir CDs on a fairly regular basis.  I also pull out some of my "old music" from CDs which I purchase on Amazon or eBay.

Yet, music is one of my many comforts in life.  If I'm depressed, I listen to a song.   If I'm tired, then a song perks me up.  If I'm overstimulated by life, a song calms me down. Music is a wonderful cure-all for anything which affects me in life. 

Even when I underwent cancer surgery in 2004, I asked the music therapist at my hospital to come by my room and play a few tunes.  She played her guitar, we sang and the anguish of the hospitalization and lifestyle changes went away, at least for a few glorious moments.

So, having a tough time?  Turn your radio on (or listen to a CD or watch a You Tube music video).  Music certainly has charms to soothe a savage breast.

Consequently, I've enclosed a song of comfort for any situation, whether it be personal failure or overwhelming illness.  Hear the soothing sounds of Chuck Girard's "Lay Your Burden Down."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbLpncI4OvY