The other day at
Mass I heard the voices of three young children rising in song behind
me. The oldest of the three–a girl who could have been no more than
seven–sung out with all her heart, her voice rising above the entire
congregation.
It did not matter
to her that she sang with more gusto than perfect tune. She did not
care whether others thought she sang too loud or not well enough.
It is only we who
grow older who lose that innocence of singing with all that is within
us. We think more of fitting in, of not standing out, of not drawing
attention to ourselves, of being who we ought to be and singing in
perfect pitch and tone than of praising the Lord in all simplicity.
If only we could
shed those perceptions and go back to that innocent childhood. Then
we would find again that complete trust, which seems like utter folly
to us, but which is a precious gift to our Lord, who waits only for
us to give ourselves to Him without holding anything back. For then
He can pour out His Providence in ways beyond our understanding or
belief.
Again and again I
find my inner doubts holding me back though I long to sing out in
praise of my Lord's goodness. Perhaps one day you and I will open myself to
that child's courage once more....
No comments:
Post a Comment