Blessings

I listen to Christian radio in the car a lot.

If you are already rolling your eyes and thinking that this post is not for you, stick with me, read on and give it a chance.

When we first moved here I couldn't find a Christian radio station and I was kind of bummed out about that.  Then one day while nursing newborn Abby in the parking lot at Babies R Us and letting Sam have free reign over the exciting car buttons and knobs, Sam stumbled upon a Christian station. I thought it was a bonafide miracle.  Turns out my husband had recently reattached our antenna, which, unbeknownst to me, had been removed for the previous 9 months to accommodate surfboards. Sam still takes full credit for finding the station and would love to tell you the story.

Now I will admit that Christian radio can be, well, REALLY CHEESY. No disrespect, but I often turn down the volume when the DJs talk, or change the station completely when they play "Shine" or other such "hits" of the 1990s.

At home we usually listen to Pandora (Adele, Jack Johnson, Coldplay, Joshua Bell, Disney Radio etc.) and music functions more as a background feature supporting play, dance, or meals.  In the car we pay more attention to music because, well, we are all strapped into our seats in a small moving box.

I listen to Christian music in the car because hearing hymns and worship music while cruising around town with a cacophony of annoying joyous sounds coming from the back seat can be really soothing and centering for this momma.  I also love that Christian music allows my girls to hear songs about God, and I can actually explain the content of a song if asked.  Christian radio really is "positive and encouraging."  Did I just do a commercial for K-Love???

The other day as I was pulling into the parking lot for MOPS I heard a song called "Blessings" by Laura Story.  Then, four hours later, when I got back in the car to head home, the same song.  I was told about this song last month by people I love deeply.  This wasn't just any song recommendation.  The loved ones who shared that this song touched them have recently suffered the greatest loss that this world has to offer.  In their pain they were touched by these lyrics...

What if Your blessings come through raindrops.

What if Your healing comes through tears.

What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near.

What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life is the revealing of a greater thirst than this world can satisfy.

What if the trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise.

Wow.  

Wow to the lyrics, and wow to the fact that those in the grip of unimaginable grief could be touched by these words. 

I have been touched by this song too.  Both because it makes me think of the faith of those who recommended it, and because I agree with Laura Story.  My greatest disappointments, and the aching of my heart, have led to blessings, healing, and renewed vision.

I like that the songwriter said, what if.  She is being real.  She doesn't know, and doesn't claim to. She is simply saying what if...  I encourage you to listen to the song and consider these what ifs for yourself.