The Joy of Singing

I have always loved music and singing. Have sung in choirs for years. I also love listening to choral groups and vocalists. When I came home from college in 1996, I joined the church choir at St. Luke. I was a painfully shy 22 year old who enjoyed singing.
In January, I decided I needed a break from choir. At the time, I just felt burned out. Many people were surprised when I told them I needed time off. I did not feel like sitting through an hour or more of choir practice. When I sing in the choir, I go into super focus mode and do not think about my own feelings or prayer concerns on Sunday during worship. My focus evaporated as did my joy of singing. It was time for me to take care of myself for a while and deal with my grief and doubt.
After many months, I find that I am missing the camaraderie of my wonderful choir family. It is also time for me to get my voice back in shape. This past Wednesday I returned to choir practice. I am feeling the love and joy again.
I am also finding that once again, my heart is able to be stirred by beautiful melodies. I enjoy listening to favorite hymns on my ipod or hearing them sung in church. Some songs do bring tears as they remind me of my beloved grandma, especially "How Great Thou Art" and "In the Garden."
Thank you God for restoring my soul and my love for singing.