Songs for Autumn

I've all but disappeared with regards to this blog.  It wasn't intentional, but when I started this, I had hoped to only write when I felt I had something worthy to offer.  Lots of ideas have floated in and out these past few months, but nothing really formed into something substantive.  So, I'm here today offering something fairly light, but hopefully lovely.

Music has always been a big part of my life.  I used to sing atop my sliding board, as a kid, and the neighbors would call asking my parents to get me down.  I'm a loud singer :)
As time went on, I started taking singing lessons, singing in church, joining choirs, auditioning and being parts of elite choirs, singing in college, doing karaoke with friends, and singing in cars.  Now that I'm a mother, singing has been reformed in my life and now my days are filled with made up songs and whatever hymns I can recall by memory from my choir days.  I so miss being able to sing like I used to, but the definition of who I am is being refined and evolving. This vocation of motherhood is blessed and I chuckle at thinking that all of those years of vocal training weren't to take a big stage but rather to prepare me to soothe, teach, or entertain my children.

Here are my littles, creating quite the cacophony,  and this momma's heart couldn't be happier.

Music continues provide a soundtrack for my life.  I've made different playlists for each of my children's births: a way of distinctively marking that time in our family's life.  Some of my music has been listened to less intentionally, but even now, when I listen to Over the Rhine's Ohio, I'm instantly back in St. Louis, sitting in Kaldi's coffee shop, writing in my journal and people watching.
I just finished making this year's autumn playlist (is it weird my lists are so specific?).  I picked music that was either new to me in this season or songs that seemed to suit these gray cooler days.
 
1. Miracle by Sara Groves
A song to get quiet and to reconcile
2. Breaking you by Audrey Assad
About 3 minutes into the song, when she says to "Lift up your head, Help is on the way", I have yet to NOT cry when I hear that.  What sweet words of Gospel and hope!
3. Carry the Fire by Andrew Peterson
Reminds me Narnia: "And we dream in the night Of a king and a kingdom Where joy writes the songs And the innocent sing them"
4. New Song by Audrey Assad
 "And all I am is breath and vapor and shadows And all I have is what I need, this I know That I need a new song"  I can't tell you how often I sing these lyrics or the offertory of our liturgy [Psalm 51] during the day.  The song of confession and repentance is a central part of a Christian's life.
5. The Magic Hour by Andrew Peterson
This song makes me think of my parent's home in Virginia, tucked away in the woods, the long winding driveway and the sunset among the trees. To me, a drive along the Blue Ridge Mountains to observe the leaves changing is the essence of autumn.
6. Lament by Audrey Assad
"I am the picture of contentment and still I'm dissatisfied"  That is me.  All the time.  I often call my "look" the "fake it 'til I make it", trying to look pulled together until I feel together.  That season of feeling like I've got my act together seems long in coming, though.
7. Beautiful Things by Gungor
What better soundtrack for the season when the hills seem to catch fire as the leaves change colors...

8. Rest Easy by Andrew Peterson
"You don’t have to work so hard  You can rest easy  You don’t have to prove yourself  You’re already mine You don’t have to hide your heart  I already love you  I hold it in mine  So you can rest easy"
Who doesn't need to hear that every day?  Especially at the end of the day when I'm worn out, these words are balm.
9. Prairie Town by The Wailin' Jennys
Their harmonies are so lovely and  voices so clear.  Plus I live amongst the prairies and I love them.

10. The Voice of Jesus by Andrew Peterson
The pat Sunday School answer "Jesus" to all of the overwhelming-ness of life really is the most comforting answer.  There is no better compliment or assurance than being called Jesus' Bride. "So listen little girl, somewhere there's a King who will love you forever And nothing in the world, could ever come between you, my love, and this Lover..."
11. O My Soul by Audrey Assad
Her piano accompaniment is my favorite...
12. Joy is in Our Hearts by Sara Groves
"For good reason joy is in our hearts..." Amen.

So, cue up the music and let's listen together.  Music can bridge gaps, keep memories safe, and set the stage for the day. Maybe there's a song or two here that will resonate with you.