The Power of Music

Having three young ladies in the house means that we rarely have a dull or quiet moment.  They make us laugh, sometime make us want to cry, but mostly make our hearts overflow with joy and love.  The amount of singing and dancing that happens in this house probably qualifies us as a music studio instead of a residence only we can't vouch for the quality of talent.  This weekend we had a girls night (a.k.a. Charley left us home alone) and the 18 year old was the kitchen deejay while we made some homemade mac and cheese.  "Ok, this is a throw back song way back from 2009!"  Did I mention that they make us both laugh and cry?!?

Music is a blessing in so many ways and we were reminded of that this weekend as we listened to our church's General Conference and the beautiful music that accompanied the inspired words.  My grandfather passed away this past Friday and I have had him on my mind all weekend.  As I listened to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing, I was reminded of a very special experience that has impacted my entire family.  My grandfather, many years ago, would listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Spoken Word program in the barn while he tended to the cows on his farm.  The music touched his soul and he contacted the church to learn more.  He and my sweet grandmother, Norma Jean and the Flying Machine, joined the Mormon church when my mother was a young child.  Because of the music that touched his soul, my grandparents joined a church that believes in eternal families sealed together for time and all eternity in the temple.  Because of the music that touched his soul, I grew up to have these truths close to my heart.  I feel incredibly blessed to know that Charley and I will be together forever with our daughters as well.  Because of the music that touched my grandfather's soul, he taught his family to be prayerful and faithful and loving.

My Grandfather, Harvey Shrack, talked openly and honestly, with kindness and compassion, and didn't hold back (I might have inherited that trait....  sorry guys!)  He gave me the only taste of beer (non -alcoholic, relax!) when I was in 16 and I have never had the desire to drink again.   The love and compassion that he showed me when it often meant that he went against the wishes of his own family taught me that doing what is right is more important than doing what is easy, even when it means that the ones you love most may not understand.  The love that he showed me when I needed it most helped give me the strength to stick to my values and become the wife and mother that I am now.  I never properly thanked him for that, and I should have.

Music fills our home often and is something that we enjoy as a family.  This weekend I was reminded that music has the power to touch souls, inspire minds, guide us through trials, and change lives.  Every time I hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir I will think of my grandfather and the power of music.  And on that note (pun intended) please enjoy a beautiful and inspiring song from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.