strike a chord

“Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!”  Romans 12:16

“May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.” Romans 15:5

“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:14

Harmony – the quality of forming a pleasing whole, the combination of musical notes in a chord having a pleasing effect

My child,

I want your brothers, sisters and you to prioritize harmony. Not all your ideas, preferences, goals and desires will be exactly the same. I didn’t design everyone to play the same note. But our forever family can make beautiful, pleasing music with the supernatural power to dispel hate and strife.

If you rely on my Spirit to empower your connections with your brothers and sisters, you can be part of a luminous love song that dismantles the darkness. My love can bind you together in the most captivating chords.

Each note in a chord performs an integral part. Your note is not more, or less important, than anyone else’s. Both pride and false humility are harmony busters. Never look down on your, or another’s, sound. Diversity in the notes contributes to the rich beauty of the music I am making.

Remember the way an orchestra sounds when it is warming up. Until the conductor takes his place, gifted musicians can sound off beat, off key, and chaotic. I am your Conductor. Follow me and enjoy my glorious symphony. 

I love you,

Abba

 My Abba,

I realize this weekend I contributed to dissonance. Please forgive me. At our family gathering, I became so focused on being absolved from blame, I lost sight of your song.

Sometimes I experience the emotions of an overgrown third grader when immersed in my family of origin. I don’t know if I was flat or sharp, but I was definitely playing the wrong notes. 

I used to be a desperate peacemaker at all costs, even when it was not right or healthy for others or me. I don’t want to go back to that unhealthy practice. I need more skill and experience at speaking the truth in love when there is conflict. Since I hate conflict, it makes me itch to admit this. Practicing skillful conflict resolution sounds akin to a bad case of Chicken Pox.

Even so, I want to learn to live in harmony. Please show me the art of contributing to unity, even when there is discord that needs to be resolved. Make me a truth-teller motivated by your love.

The longer I walk with you, the more opportunities you give me to tackle the really difficult relational stuff. I am glad you haven’t left me to my own devices. Without your intervention, I might still be banging out the few monotonous notes of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” I learned as a child.

 But with these more complex compositions, I need your constant direction. Thank you for your patience and encouragement. Clothe me in your love so I may live in a manner fitting for a follower of Christ Jesus.

I love you,

Mollie

photo: studio 3321