Make a joyful noise . . .

Make a joyful noise . . .

Their friend’s mother was dying. Hospice had been called in, and now it was just a matter of time. Wanting to reach out to their friend and his mother, to show they cared, the two members of the choir decided to express their love and support in their own particular way. Standing at the door, they announced: “We’re here to sing for your mother.” Stunned, the friend invited them into the house and brought them to his mother’s bedroom. They greeted her warmly, then broke into familiar hymns. The two sang for about ten minutes, and then politely excused themselves. Long after their exit, the friend and his mom were humming the hymns, basking in the unusual gift of song. 

Make a joyful noise . . .

His father never showed affection. Although he says his father “had a good heart somewhere inside,” he never showed it to his son. All he was given as a child was scrutiny and judgement. Such an eneven emotional foundation caused him to stumble throughout his childhood. Now a man, that son understandably struggles with self-worth and feeling "good enough." Like so many, years of hitting his head against the wall of others' approval caused enormous pain. After four months in rehab, the man sat in chapel as people were recognized for their recent accomplishments. "And the employee of the month goes too . . ." The announcement took a moment to sink in, then his eyes awakened and glistened in undescribable, but unmistakable, ways. It was the smallest recognition. It was the largest gift.

Make a joyful noise . . .

“I hate the phone,” the man grumbled as he made his way over to answer it. Much to his surprise, on the other end was the voice of his sister, with whom he had not spoken in over twenty years. They were close as children, but then the inheritance changed all that. Suddenly an iron wall was irrected and neither ever expected to communicate again. That is, until she took the initiative that Spring morning. "I don't know why I'm calling. I just am. I don't really know what to say. I just felt like wishing you a happy Easter . . .  and maybe to say I miss you."

Make a joyful noise . . .