Music has charms to link us to God

Sitting amidst the congregation of musicians, I break open the new literature presented to me. At a first glance, it is difficult to understand. My heart skips a beat as I hear, "One, two, three, four!" and we begin creating overlapping melodies and harmonies to the best of our abilities as a community of believers in music.

Each member of my high school band possesses his or her own gifts, abilities and talents, which are celebrated and encouraged. Each gift is God-given and, therefore, very special. Our band director sets the beat, much in the same way a priest leads and guides his parishioners. In order to become better musicians and Christians, it is "instrumental" to practice our band literature and religion.

As I play out the musical piece that is my life, I realize it’s important to fully crescendo to the "fortes." On the same note (or maybe a flatted one), it’s ideal to play the "pianos" softly and reverently, like in church last week when I prayed silently to God for a sign to guide me in my college application decisions. (Although I received one, it wasn’t a repeat sign, thank goodness!)

Some measures move slowly, like certain years of my life have, while other measures are over before I dare strike a key. When I find myself not "measuring" up at such times, I ask God to help me channel my energy and focus on improving the vibes that flow from within me.

Life is not written note for note, as anyone can attest, musician or not. It is my strong conviction and faith in God and myself that has propelled me through the cadenzas, which require ad-libbing along the way. There always exists the element of improvement in order to become the unique and gifted individuals that God intended us to be. In the end, though, when the ceremony has transformed into a masterpiece symphony, it is the result of everyone working together with a common purpose and faith, one beat at a time.