I couldn’t sing on Sunday.
I had laryngitis.
So frustrating for one who loves to sing.
As a child, I stood on a salt lick stage in the woods and serenaded whatever critters would listen. I pretended to be Patti Page.
I stood outside under the stars and sang “Johnny Angel” as loud as I could. Only I changed “Johnny” to “Gary,” a neighbor who was too old for me.
When I sang “Where the Boys Are,” my sister declared I sounded just like Connie Francis. She has a much better ear now.
Yeah, I’m that old.
And truth? Still, when I’m all alone, I turn up the music and sing like a real singer.
Shhh. That’s our secret.
Oh, I’ve had some singing “gigs” over the years. I sang a medley from Sound of Music when I ran for National Cherry Queen. I’ve sung in church choirs. Even sang solos and duets. Sometimes well. Sometimes disastrously.
People used to say they liked to watch me sing because I was so “animated.” I still remember how I glowed for days for “really sticking that high A.”
But I’m no Susan Boyle or Sandi Patty.
Not even close.
I wonder if David had a good voice.
I’ve thought about taking lessons. But these days I’m finding it easier to fade into the background. And at this point, it’s not a dream I feel led to follow hard after.
So how come God gave me this great desire but not the great talent?
Maybe because He wants me to sing for an audience of One?
On whatever stage and in whatever stage I find myself?
With or without a voice?
I can do that.
I will sing!
“I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I sing praise to my God while I have my being.” Psalm 104:33 (NIV)
Copyright © 2010 by Sandra Heska King
Wish I could sing, but I sound like a cow in pain.
You know that's transformed to a sound of beauty in Gods ears, right? 🙂
Great post, Sandra.
As a lifelong singer, I can definitely relate to what you shared. Most frustrating thing for me is when I can't sing.
And yes, it's all about starting with singing for our Audience Of One. God LOVES to hear us sing. He sings over us too. I really love that.
I love singing for and with children, too. They like when I make up goofy songs and/or sing with great enthusiasm, which is most of the time. They love to sing, too.
Keep on singing for joy with all your heart!!
Oh. I think we forget He sings over us, too. Thanks for the reminder!
Sandra,
You are not alone…same dream here, but no skills to go with it…you might like this post:
http://loveandagun.blogspot.com/search/label/song
I'll let you in on a little secret. I sing, too. Loudly. And often. But always alone, and that's the way it's gonna stay. Hope your voice is on the mend.
@Jeff: Thanks for sharing that post. Much more eloquent than mine. 🙂 Maybe God holds the reins a little tighter in areas He knows we might run wild.
@Billy: Your secret's safe with me. Or wait . . . did I just tweet that?
My voice is better. It still cracks, but I no longer sound like some high-pitched cartoon character!
no melodious voice here … but He does give me a song in the night {I live alone}
I think we're building quite a choir here. 😉
I used to sing in solos and duets years ago, but once I got sick, I didn't sing in public anymore. My most recent attempt was a disaster. My earring fell off and rolled down the stage, I inadvertently flipped off the microphone, my voice squeaked. It was my first time soloing in my new church and it was hilarious, lots of laughs–but not good singing.
My daughter sings and sometimes, I try to sing with her — but I dont' sound like the angel she does. But I believe, God doesn't care. He's just happy that we're singing together!
thanks for dropping by!
Louise
I think you're right. Scripture tells us over and over to sing and make a joyful noise. If He's happy, I'm happy. 🙂
Nice post, Sandra! We can always praise God through our singing, and even if we only do it when we are alone, we are giving a gift of love. I used to sing in the choir but physical difficulties have prevented it for a while. I still love to sing and worship God through music, and it certainly is a wonderful way to offer praise!
Singing as a gift to God. Good thought.
"speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;" Ephesians 5:19