This past Sunday I preached about the greatest birthday gift I ever gave myself. It was when I turned 40 years old, and I knew I wanted to do something epic. So I asked all of my friends the whole world over to, if they were so inspired, make me a mix-CD. It was incredible.
Over the course of the year CD’s would show up in my mailbox. One came from Bulgaria. Another from Sweden. My wife Tracy got in on the action and made me a 4 disc set. I got one from my high school sweetheart and my old boss, just to name a few.
Some had unique themes and titles. One friend sent all old blues songs, entitled, “Songs about Death and Dying.” Another friend chose one song for every year I’ve been alive. Surprisingly, only one person gave me, “An ABCD.”
There were many revelations that came about as a result of this little social experiment. But one that was incredible to me was the fact that, out of almost 1000 songs received, only 17 were repeated. Consistent with the theme of worship on Sunday, I made CD’s of those 17 songs for all the folks who had birthdays that week. But for those of you who are so intrigued, I made a Spotify playlist of them right HERE. I’ve also included a list at the bottom of this post. My suggestion during worship was to consider the tracks you would choose for the soundtrack of your life. What songs still hold power over you- to perhaps invoke a beautiful memory, or remind you of a challenge overcome? What sounds give you comfort and peace? I am reminded of the beauty of this present moment and the gift of this life when I hear that first bird song in the morning, or when I catch the snoring sounds of my spouse. Each song or sound arrests my attention and brings me to a sacred moment of peace.
As we consider the Lenten journey, my suggestion was that we take some time to hone our Listening Hearts. This was the great request of Solomon to God just as he took over the throne of his father David. Asking for a listening heart gave God great delight (1 Kings 3:5-9). And as a result, Solomon was blessed with the gift of guidance and wisdom his whole life long. Perhaps we too should consider the sacred art of listening. If it was good enough for Solomon, it should be good enough for us.
Breath prayer: Grant to me/a listening heart
Happy Lent!
1. Blackbird by the Beatles
2. Amazing Grace by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, featuring Paul Simon
3. Down to The River To Pray performed by Alison Krauss
4. Enjoy Yourself by Todd Snider
5. Fields of Gold performed by Eva Cassidy
6. Hallelujah performed by Rufus Wainwright
7. Hard Sun by Eddie Vedder
8. Happy by Pharrell Williams
9. Hey Ya! By Outkast
10. I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For by U2
11. I’m Getting Ready by Michael Kiwanuka
12. Love Interruption by Jack White
13. Monday by Wilco
14. Shady Grove performed by Mudcrutch
15. This Land Is Your Land performed by Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings
16. Waiting Room by Fugazi
17. Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World by Israel Kamakawio’ole