What is your summer vibe?
The wedding season is most definitely in full swing.
What a privilege it is as a member of the clergy to walk alongside a couple as they make their preparations to marry and then be front line and centre to witness their big day.
There is so much that makes the service bespoke but for me it all starts literally with the first piece of music. We have had allsorts whether it is super traditional: The Bridal Chorus Wagner the Rossignol Consort or Stevie wonders ‘Signed Sealed Delivered (I am yours) playing on the way out, music sets the mood for the special day.
“The best, most beautiful, and most perfect way that we have of expressing a sweet concord of mind to each other is by music.” ~Jonathan Edwards
I am not a technical person but I have recently discovered I can play music from
my phone through a speaker in my office. This has now opened up a whole new world of musical possibilities. It has been great fun looking back and rediscovering the music that literally makes me happy.
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ~Plato
If you were choosing a song that speaks to you that celebrates you for you and above all makes you happy what would it be?
Mine is …… Katrina and the waves: “Walking on sunshine” aside from the fact this song makes me homesick for those 80’s Saturday night discos and my teenage years her music makes me smile, not just a surface smile but a deep smile.
“I am walking on sunshine and starting to feel good,” those words just belt out a smile! (By the time you read this I am praying we are seeing more sunshine!!)
Music is an invitation to enjoy life and it can take some of the heavy lifting out of the difficulties we inevitably encounter, as it has the incredible power to draw our hearts and minds into this intimate experience where we can find happiness and peace.
“Music is one of the fairest and most glorious gifts of God, …… for it removes from the heart the weight of sorrow, and the fascination of evil thoughts.” ~ Martin Luther
So in this summer month of July, re connect to God’s gift of music, find your special summer vibe and let yourself deeply smile and enjoy how it makes you feel.
Reverend Emma x