the songs I sing

I was sitting at Shredtown ranch over Thanksgiving, enjoying my last few minutes before I had to head back to the Dallas. So, I grabbed my guitar and started playing through the songs I've written.

About halfway through my mom quietly ventured out onto the back porch to join me, just listening. When I was finished, she offered some encouraging words.

And as we chatted about future possibilities, I soaked up the beauty around me... The trees all around, the midday sun shining, fall leaves floating gracefully to the ground. And, of course, the Christmas greenery hanging on the mantle of the outdoor fireplace. 

Christmastime makes me happy. Shredtown ranch makes me happy. Christmastime at Shredtown ranch? Well, that's just perfection. 

I don't know about you and your family though, but as for me and mine, sometimes the holidays can get hectic... and sometimes "perfection" is just about the last descriptive adjective on the mind.

I'm back in LA now, and I was listening to this song by Needtobreathe this morning. I ventured outside to take a refreshing walk after being cooped up inside with a cold for the last three days.

It's amazing the appreciation you have for the simplest of things when you've been sick. I thought about the privilege of just being able to take a walk as the sun is rising over the palm trees. 

I thought about the privilege we have of freedom. And the privilege we have of words. And of songs. And of singing. And of glorifying God in all we do each moment of our day.

In their song Garden, Needtobreathe sings so beautifully:

"Let the songs I sing bring joy to you; let the words I say profess my love. Let the notes I choose be your favorite tune, and Father let my heart be after you."  

This Christmas season, let's try to slow down, let's remember the true meaning of Christmas - the reason we are bustling about, baking, and buying gifts - the privilege of receiving the gift that is Jesus Christ and the privilege of being able to worship Him.

And let's watch our words. Let's embrace the privilege we have to build others up with them. 

"Words can build us up. Words can tear us down. Start a fire in our hearts, or put it out... Let my words be life. Let my words be truth." - Hawk Nelson, Words

Instead of getting overwhelmed by "first world problems" this Christmas season, what if, instead, we kept things into perspective? What if we all encouraged one another, lent one another a hand, and offered a kind word - to strangers and our mothers alike. 

Because we have much to be grateful for, we have much to sing about, and much reason to love... 

"We love because He first loved us." - 1 John 4:19 

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 

"So teach my song to rise to You..." - Matt Maher, Lord, I Need You