I know I said that the next post I posted would be about the book I just finished, "When God Writes Your Love Story," but that will have to come at another time. My heart has something else it wants to share.
God never ceases to amaze me. This weekend came with an amazing opportunity and some wonderful time spent with some incredible people.
This weekend I was privileged to listen to my wonderful friend Olivia play for her senior recital. This girl can play the violin like no one's business, let me tell ya. However, my favorite part of the entire recital was watching her and her dad play the song he had composed for her. Not only was it beautiful because he wrote an incredible piece, it was beautiful because they played it together.
This thought has challenged my heart. God has written a beautiful piece for each and every one of our lives. He has pounded out the notes, the phrasing, the crescendos, all of it. And He has written it specifically for us. As humans, it is very easy to want to add in our own "notes" and "rhythms" as we see fit. But, in doing this, we take away from the essence of the masterpiece He wants to enjoy with us. His song is so much better than any one person can compose on their own.
At the end of the piece, Olivia and her dad received a standing ovation. Not only was everyone moved by the beauty of the piece but by the fact that they were able to share in the piece that was created just for them. It was incredible.
God, in this weekend, reminded me of the own song He has written for my life, and this one is not just metaphorically speaking. Many of you remember the dream that God gave me during Christmas break last year. (If not, I dedicated a post to it so feel free to check it out!) A good friend reminded me of something I had said about the song given to me in my dream: "If I record any song in my life, this will be it." This weekend was that moment.
During the chapel I got to speak at in April, I played this very song for the Evangel University student body. Sitting in the room that day was a music major named Joel who happens to be roommates with Travis who happens to be the fiance of the aforementioned Olivia - look how connected life is! Joel told Travis who told Olivia who passed along to me that he wanted to record that song. I communicated with him, got a time set up, and bam! We recorded it this weekend.
The experience was surreal. Never in a million years would I have imagined that I would get the opportunity to record. However, God so pleasantly reminded me that this is NOT my song; it's His. He wrote the notes, gave it the phrasing and rhythms, and put it in my dream. He composed a beautiful piece not only for me but one to be shared.
I was so nervous to record this song. I wanted to do it but didn't at all feel good enough. Let me give you a recap of the conversation between God and I:
- "Um, God, I do not think I am nearly good enough to record this song. I am scared to death."
- "My child, it is not your song. It is Mine that I have let you jot down for me. Don't be selfish. Sing My song. It is meant to bless the world. I will enable you and give you the confidence you need. Don't be afraid."
Well, when God puts things like that, how can you tell Him no.
I ran through it before with my dear friend Deanna (who is great at calming nerves), and then I recorded it. I was so blessed to have dear friends there to hear the recording process as well. Joel was so gracious to do it for me. He is going to mix in a full band, and I really cannot wait to hear the finished product. God definitely enabled me. I have no idea how He is going to use this song or even to what capacity. I have no idea who will hear it or if it will even travel beyond the ears of those who have already heard its words. However, it's Gods to do with what He pleases. In the bridge the lyrics talk about going into the world and singing this song of love. If that's what God wants, by George I will do it! (I know, who says by George anymore?)
As Olivia and her dad played the piece he had so beautifully composed for her, I was reminded that I don't ever want to be afraid or feel like I cannot play the piece God is writing for me. My life's song has barely started, but I cannot wait to see how He pens it all out.
Don't be afraid to surrender your own pen. He's got something beautiful waiting for you.
Thanks for letting me ramble.
Love you guys.
In Him,
Em
