The Symphony of Life

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“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Matthew 5: 14-16 (MSG)

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I am not going to lie - this week has been tough. I have been challenged in ways I never thought possible. The emotional roller-coaster of life has been wild. The thing I have taken from this week, is that in order to share, you first need something to give. Fortunately for me, I have been in a place with my faith, where my trust in God is strong and His strength has helped me get through the tough moments. But, I wonder how different my week would have been had I not had faith. Through it all, God has been at the centre and provided the words to say, the silences to leave unbroken, and the actions that have spoken louder than words.

As I sit to write this blog post, I think about what a blessing and privilege it has been to be at the centre of God's work this week. I am reminded of the passage in Matthew, where we are called to be light to the world, to bring out the best of what God's humanity has to offer, and to share the good news within the Gospel. This week, I think about how much I have had to be out of my comfort zone, how vulnerable I have been, but how because of this, others have opened up with God. So, yes it has been a pretty horrendous week, but through those moments, God has been glorified.

In particular, I like the way the Message version translates these few verses. I'd like to think that I have a good singing voice, but in reality, I'm not that good and can't really sing. I can however play a brass instrument. In music there are parts that by themselves are just a string of notes, but together, with other parts, makes a wonderful symphony. You see, we are called to bring out the God-colours, be the light in the dark, and whilst we can't all play a musical instrument, or be the perfect singers, we all have a part to play in the symphony God has written, the symphony of our life. You see, we all have instruments to play.

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Anyone who has the gift of serving should serve. Anyone who has the gift

of teaching should teach. Whoever has the gift of encouraging others should encourage. Whoever has the gift of giving to others should give freely. Anyone who has the gift of being a leader should try hard when he leads. Whoever has the gift of showing mercy to others should do so with joy.

Romans 12:7-8 (NCV)

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You see, in Romans, we see that we all have a part to play, a gift to give. This week, I have used the gifts of hospitality and mercy. Next week, I may be called to use the gift of leadership or teaching, or maybe even wisdom. Yes, the circumstances have been far from perfect, but by allowing God to have control, He has been able to provide, and ultimately, He will be glorified.

Yes, I might not have the best singing voice, or play my instrument the best, but I am able to worship Him, play my part in His symphony, in my everyday, Monday to Friday living. My whole life is becoming a form of worship to my heavenly Father; who even in my darkest moments, loves me and holds me firm.

You see, we all have a choice to make. On a daily basis, will my life be for Him? Or not? I used to think that 'surrender' was a one time thing, but actually it's a choice that I make on a daily basis. It's a choice that I constantly strive to make. It's why I constantly yearn for more. It's why Aspirational Living exists and it's why He is able to use me even when I am miles from home, at University. I strive to play my part to the best of my ability. I wonder today, will you play yours?

Reflect today: What choice will you make? What part will you play? What will you do this week to play your part in the symphony of life?

And now every breath we breathe, is a melody In the love song to the God who made Every soul to see, every life to bring out The beauty in this world. So come on with all your heart, Lift your voice and play your part In this symphony.

Amen

Just one more note: This week is National Storytelling Week, I have a further challenge for you. We all have a story to tell, a story written by the best author going. I wonder if this week, you will be bold enough to share your story with someone you feel led to share it with. If you don't feel comfortable starting that conversation, you never know the opportunities that you may have. So, just take every opportunity that presents itself!