Ever since I was asked to sing more quietly in the Sunday School choir as a girl, I have had it in my head that I. Can’t. Sing.
My sister and I sat outside the choir tent at the Rocky Mountain Christian Camp that we went to together, singing along to the African praise song that they were practicing, knowing that we would never be able to join them.
My mom and I always clarified that it says “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.” Psalm 100:1 (King James Version). It does not say “Sing in key.” Thank goodness!
And when Lord Herndon (who sings and plays trumpet) first introduced me to his parents, who are both singers and even made a record as a traveling quartet with their siblings, they were surprised to find out that I had absolutely no musical talent whatsoever. What. So. Ever.
But since we’ve been married, we’ve stood in church and sung hymns and worship songs together, sung with CDs in the car, and even made up silly songs to sing to the kids. I remember one time we were on a long drive, and Lord Herndon and I were singing the two parts of The Phantom of the Opera as loud as we could, and he would look over at me and say “That was great harmony!”
Of course, that made me stop singing altogether in embarrassment, and make it very clear that any harmony on my part was purely accidental.
He keeps complimenting me at odd times, but I don’t let it go to my head. I still know I can’t sing.
But I sure do like making a joyful noise with him. And you know what? He is still teaching my heart to sing.
Our Valentine’s Day wish for you:
May you listen to the music of your heart and sing with it, even if you sing off-key.
