(C) 2024, Isaiah Jacobs
“Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
– Psalm 150:3-4
praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with timbrel and dancing,
praise him with the strings and pipe,”
This Father’s Day, my father has been on my mind quite a bit. Granted, when he was living, I celebrated the day with him and did other things, too. But this year, I miss him quite a bit.
One factor in my life that may have triggered memories is that I listen to classical music more these days than I have in recent years. While he blessed my life in so many ways, he was known for his love of music and often had it playing around the house.
In my young adult years, I began a hobby of collecting classical music on compact discs. Dad and I used to go to Tower Records together and shop for new recordings or ones we didn’t have in our collections. He always found a few, and I found more than that. Then, we talk about what we bought and, sometimes, why we did.
Little did he know, or maybe he did, that sharing his love of classical music would be of invaluable help to me in my battle of living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT). I cannot count how many times I have had classical music playing, whether on radio or compact disc, and nowadays streaming, and I have found relief. I remember a few times when the pain and stresses of the disease were considerably bothering me, and I’d hear a Mozart Piano Concerto, which seemed to melt those issues away. Or, a piece by Handel from the Baroque period would do the same.
Recently, my music system had issues playing my music. The company did a poor job updating the app used to stream or play compact discs. I wasn’t happy. I was frustrated, to say the least, because I couldn’t play music wherever I wanted. I have two portable speakers that allow me to play music outside wherever I am. This time of year, I enjoy playing music while working in my garden or reading on my deck at day’s end. The problem was corrected, but it confirmed what I knew: I love my music.
As I play music and do chores around the house, I think of my father. He would be doing the same thing- listening to music.
My father taught me the most important things in life: God, the Bible, Jesus, and the church. He took us to church every Sunday morning and night, Wednesday night, revival services and special events. Doing those things doesn’t make you a Christian, nor do they guarantee that you will go to heaven when you die. You must accept Jesus Christ as your Savior to go to heaven.
As he lived, he taught me about being a Christian by being a living example, the enjoyment of classical music, and so many other things that I cannot even begin to list. I miss him today, probably more than usual. But, that’s okay, as I wouldn’t bring him back from heaven for any reason. Occasionally, I enjoy the thought that he is finally leading the choir of his dreams- a heavenly choir where there are no parts or instruments missing. It’s all to the glory of God.
May you have a blessed Father’s Day. Hug yours. Call him.