I was sitting at Starbucks for one of my every other day routines of drinking a warm drink and reading a good book. I told Sam, the mysterious girl behind the counter, I need my quiet time! So this is where I come. To read, to meditate, to be me and.. Perhaps today, listen.
I finished a book two days ago and I am quite certain that I won't find another book as good as 'the Book Thief.' Ok, I know I will. I often get this feeling after reading a really good book. How am I ever going to top this one?! I'm sure I will. I have the book 'Heaven is for real' in my hands as we speak and I dare say it's not speaking to me yet, but I will give it a chance. I'm only on page 30. I've heard great things.
As I searched my Kindle just waiting for a title to JUmP out at me, I found myself not being able to focus on what I was doing. Just then, something happened.
But first, let me start here.
My mind has been in turmoil lately. Actually for about a year and a half. I question everything. I guess that can be good or bad. I question faith, fear, love, trials.... You name it, I'll question it. I have been troubled by this behavior for sometime.
As I sat there thinking not being able to concentrate, one of my favorite songs came on the Starbucks speakers. "What Child is This?" Ok, mind you, it's May 20. Granted it feels like winter outside. A whopping 40 degrees and buckets of rain. I sat and listened closely to the peaceful, beautiful melody. I was waiting for the chords to change. Again, it's May and I'm in Starbucks. I looked around the room waiting for the signs of someone else who must certainly be thinking... 'hey, this is weird! Christmas music in May?!" No one did.
As the song progressed, I quickly found myself immersed in the song. I started singing. In my head of course! (I don't dare sing in front of anyone and believe me, you would thank me for it if you heard me.)
I love the words of this song. But for the first time outside of the christmas season, I actually listened to the words. Really listened!
Do you ever wonder if random things that happen during the day aren't random at all? I think that song came on for me. Ok, ok, ok, silly but today I needed to hear those words. I needed to be filled the way I am during a season where everything is about Christ. I was meant to hear this, to listen to the simple words, to remember who my Savior is and how plain and simple his life started out and how triumphant it continues to be. I needed to find a greater sense of peace. He is always here.
This song came on and was quickly overshadowed by everyday music. But I heard it. And I want to remember that moment and the gratitude that was and is in my heart.
"What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary"
Funny how our questions can be answered in such random beautiful ways.
