When the Preschooler was just a newborn, I discovered that I could calm her in the car if I popped in a certain Baby Einstein CD and played “Canon in D” over and over. If you had ever experienced one of the Preschooler’s car meltdowns firsthand, you would understand the significance of that particular discovery. So, from that moment on, our car stereo has been used primarily for calming purposes rather than my personal pleasure. On most days {except on the rare occasions when I’m traveling in the car by myself or at home alone}, I set aside my preferences in music in favor of tunes like “If You’re Happy and You Know It” and “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.” Some day soon I would like to broaden the girls’ taste in music to include genres other than toddler tunes, but for now, this works.
But, yesterday while the Preschooler and the Toddler were at preschool, I made a thrilling discovery about the Baby.
She shares my taste in music.
We had the house to ourselves and I was trying to unpack/organize our study a bit when she decided to get all fussy about things. In fact, she had been a little disgruntled all morning. I had fed her, changed her, rocked her, held her, but all to no avail. As a last resort {before bringing out the carseat}, I thought I would play some music on our computer and see if she noticed. And, let me just tell you…
It worked like magic.
She was almost instantly calmed. But, what I loved the most about this discovery is that she has a preference for this one certain song… Rose of Bethlehem, by Selah.
And, as we bounced around the room listening to this song that I love {for its lyrics and its piano cadences}, I was reminded of how much I miss music. My music. The way it makes me feel. The way it makes me think. The way it heals. The way it calms.
All throughout high school and college I was a part of either an ensemble or a choir and sang regularly. And, mostly for my own entertainment, I played piano. I’m not a soloist or a performer or a worship leader {all of which would require more talent and stage presence than I can muster}, but I always enjoyed the outlet that music provided. It’s not something I think about very often, but I miss it. And, I especially miss it at this time of the year.
So, I was so glad to know that the Baby will not only tolerate but even appreciates my music. For now, we can share an iTunes playlist. And, when the “big” girls are off at preschool, we’re going to be whipping out our own collection of tunes. Christmas tunes.
I don’t know if music moves everyone in the same way, but if you have a song or a whole album of songs that you haven’t listened to in awhile, I hope maybe this season you can find it, play it, and start enjoying it all over again.
There’s nothing quite like it.
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