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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Music (03/08/07)
I sit in the stillness of a darkened room and gaze down upon two perfect little faces; so beautiful, so peaceful. They are faces I love more than I ever knew possible. Every night as I look into the sleepy blue eyes of my boys I cherish a special gift I get to share with them. As one lays tucked gently into his bed and the other rests in my rocking arms, I softly sing them to sleep. The music of a mother's voice is one of the sweetest of God's gifts to this world. No matter the level of talent or ability the mother holds, the music her children hear is simply wonderful.

Every night in our home the bedtime routine is the same: prayer, story, then songs. Our little night time ritual has been the same for some time. While many nights I do tire of reading one of the same two stories my son asks for, I never grow weary of singing to my children.

For the past few months the most requested song from my oldest son has been “Amazing Grace.” In times past this had been a favorite of mine for its beautiful lyrics and important message, however the memories it now invokes make me cherish it even more. As we sat in church one Sunday night I realized how important it had been to repeat the song night after night. Pride filled my eyes with tears as I watched my three year old stand before the congregation and lead them through that precious song. It was music to my heart, as well as my ears.

My baby boy can not yet ask for particular songs, so as we rock I pass through a myriad of Sunday school classics I hope he will learn to recognize. Then there are the nights when he refuses to sleep. As he cries, I pace the floor and sing out, letting the music in my voice come through and slowly calm him to sleep.

There have been other days when the car ride home has lingered far too long and my boys have become restless and cranky. Since it is impossible to explain to a baby, “Just a few more minutes,” I have found music is the only way to pass the time. As we turn the radio off and I begin to sing I am awed that moments later all is calm. It is a wonderful thing that God gave the music of a mother's voice the ability to soothe an upset child.

From easing a child that has woke up with bad dreams or crying over a skinned knee, this special music has wondrous capabilities. It is even a creative teaching tool. So many wonderful lessons are taught in the songs we sing together. My baby learned to clap his hands along with “If Your Happy and You Know It.” My big boy is learning the books of the new testament through our singing them together.

I know eventually there will come a day when they will be too big for mommy to sing them to sleep at bedtime. I pray that time is far off and God grants me many more nights to share this music with my boys. For now I cherish every chance I get when they want me to sing to them. I hope during these times I can instill in them a deep love of music, so as they grow we can share in the wonderful music of singing with our hearts and souls to the Father above.
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This article has been read 1042 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Elizabeth Hewett
03/15/07
That is beautiful. As a mom, I know the power of God's gift of song.
Marilyn Klunder
03/16/07
Beautiful! When my twin grandchildren were born, the first thing I wanted them to hear from lips was about Jesus. So as they lay in their little incubators I sang "Jesus Loves Me." Whenever I have the opportunity to put them to bed, it is always with a song about Jesus. Keep writing for Him!
Jacquelyn Horne
03/16/07
Yes, there's nothing can replace the croon of a mother to her restless child. God prepared her for that I think.
cindy yarger
03/16/07
My kids don't "cherish" my singing ability anymore! It was wonderful when they did-thanks for the memories of those times. Blessings!
Mo
03/19/07
Nice! (Brings back memories for me, too.)
Verna Cole Mitchell 
03/21/07
This is lovely. It really takes me back to singing to my little ones...and then to their little ones. Your essay shows how sustaining music is, even to very young children.
Pat Guy
03/21/07
This flowed as a melody along with the love through each word. A very beautiful message written so beautifully.
Sara Harricharan
03/21/07
Heartfelt and realistic is the best way to describe this! I loved the title that reflected throughout this entire piece. Awesome writing! ^_^
Jen Davis
03/21/07
Lovely. I enjoyed this perspective on the topic of a mother singing to her children in many different situations. When the day comes that your children will be too big to sing to sleep, you can look forward to someday singing those same songs to your future grandchildren.
Joanne Sher 
03/21/07
Just lovely. I could feel the passion and heart in your writing, and was moved by it. Delightful!
Myrna Noyes
03/21/07
Your piece brought back such wonderful memories! I used to read and sing to my kids, too, but now they are grown up! I guess I'll have to wait for grandkids to come along! I'm glad you are cherishing this precious time, and I thank you for sharing with us! :)
Julie Arduini
03/22/07
Your passion for parenthood and music is so evident as this piece just flowed. Great work, keep writing!
Tiffanie Chezum
03/22/07
Very good job. there is a nice flow to this piece. I feel the passion for music and the love for children in this piece.