Growing up, I always remember music being a big part of our day to day lives. From as far back as I can recall, I can see my Mother playing the old hymns at the piano or singing with the church choir. I can hear my Father playing the violin, or the trumpet, or the bass. I can see him leading the congregation in “How Great Thou Art”. I can remember singing special duets with my sister at a Sunday morning service. I’m so grateful for my musical heritage which continues to this day.
Music is transcendent, isn’t it? It has the ability to move us. Perhaps from sadness to joy, pain to peace or anger to action. If we allow it – if we really listen, it has the power to transform our surroundings and shift our focus. It can make us better. If you think about it, from the moment we are born, we are exposed to the power of music. Some of a baby’s first intentional movements are in response to music. It can calm a fussy baby or bring joy to a dancing toddler.
My Dad has always been a great lover of jazz. Smooth jazz to be exact. It’s on all his pre-sets in his car, he’s always humming along to the jazz greats and if you pop by their place, you’ll likely hear those velvety-smooth jazz notes droning peacefully in the background of any conversation or cup of tea. It used to drive me nuts when I was younger! I wanted to hear the electronic pop of Boy George, Cyndi Lauper, New Kids on the Block or Depeche Mode (yes, I’m that old); but Dad preferred the less complex, less hostile side of music and somehow seemed to always gently get that radio tuned back to the jazz stations. Now that I have a few more years under my belt, I’ve grown to absolutely LOVE this music that he’s adored all these years.
So why am I saying all of this? To set the stage for the message of this post. I’m sure you can also attach many memories to the music you’ve heard in your lifetime. The title of this post is “What a difference a day makes.” It’s in reference to a song by one of the greatest jazz legends of all times. Dinah Washington recorded this piece of magic in the early part of 1959 and by the end of that year, she would receive a grammy award for it at the SECOND annual Grammy Awards ceremony! Wow!
The song and arrangement are stunning. The sweeping sound of violins mixed with her intoxicating voice are magical! And the lyrics themselves are what speak to me most…
What a difference a day made
Twenty-four little hours
Brought the sun and the flowers
Where there used to be rain
My yesterday was blue, dear
Today I’m a part of you, dear
My lonely nights are through, dear
Since you said you were mine
Lord, what a difference a day makes
There’s a rainbow before me
Skies above can’t be stormy
Since that moment of bliss
That thrilling kiss
It’s heaven when you
Find romance on your menu
What a difference a day made
And the difference is you
Now I know this genre might not be for everyone… and that’s okay. But I would highly recommend googling the song and having a listen. I promise it will make you smile. It’s a love song about finding that special someone that would change stormy skies to rainbows and lonely places to new life. I first discovered the song fifteen years ago when my first daughter was born. For me, the song spoke to the longing that I carried for so many years to have a family. It reminded me of the dark and lonely places I had felt as I waited and longed for a child. It reminded me of the devastating loss associated with infertility. But hearing the song crooned as I looked down at my daughter’s new born face, was so impactful. How one day can change the way you look and feel about everything in your life. How just one day can forever alter the course of your history and legacy.
Can I encourage you today to take a moment and consider what a difference one day could make in your life? Maybe it’s tough right now and you’re barely hanging on by a thread. Maybe you are contemplating your next steps in your life, love, finances, job, etc. Maybe you’re still waiting on an answer, a sign or a diagnosis. Maybe it’s all a bit too much right now and you’re feeling like you’re better off not being here at all.
What if today you decided to give all that fear and doubt over to God? What if you laid it all down and asked Him to carry it for you? For some who have already done that but than picked it back up and started carrying it again, perhaps today is the day you lay it back down and commit to trusting God fully with your life. This could be your day of difference. The turning point from rain to sun! Matthew 11:28 says “come to me (God), all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” That’s a promise from the Bible! He will bring you peace in your storm. Psalm 34:8 says “taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” Take refuge from the storm today. You won’t regret it!
Hey, I know life can be hard! I’ve had my fair share of trials and I’m certainly not trying to diminish yours. But today can be the start of something different. Lay your burdens down and trust that God can be everything you need and that someday you’ll be able to sing about the difference that He’s made in your life!
Blessings for the road ahead…
April
(PS – this post is dedicated to my Dad on his birthday today. Love you so much Daddy… butterfly kisses)
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Embrace The Delay 