“Every man and woman is born into the world to do something unique and something distinctive and if he or she does not do it, it will never be done.”

– Benjamin E. Mays

I just love music.  I like to play it, I like to listen to it, I like to dance around my kitchen and let it lift my spirits while I work.  What I love about music is that way that so many different voices of different instruments or people weave together to create harmonious bliss.  Each different voice brings its own color to a piece; and when it merges with the other voices, it creates shades that simply do not exist in the box of 8 Crayola crayons.  I think I was in elementary school when I first was introduced to Peter and the Wolf.  Our teacher played the music for us while we listened and then pointed out each solo instrument that represented a character in the piece.  We listened for the flute that sang like a bird.  We imagined the grandfather when we heard the deep voice of the bassoon.  We skipped through the woods to the sound of Peter’s theme, played by the strings.  My favorite was the duck.  I had never heard of an oboe before, and I was mesmerized by its mysterious sound.

The way we live is very much like the way a musical piece is constructed.  Each of us has a unique voice or talent that we bring to the group; and when we sing out our truth in harmony with others, a great symphony is born.  It would not be the same piece if even one voice were silent; and when we have the opportunity to step forward and perform a solo or remind the world of a truth that comes to light again and again, it is important that we embrace our purpose.  Whether we are center stage for a solo or adding our voice to the chorus, it matters that we are true to our purpose and willing to be heard.  By our singing or by our silence, the symphony of life is changed.

I close my eyes and think of the music of Peter and the Wolf.  In my mind, I try to hear it without the oboe that allows me to see that the duck is all right; and I realize that without that one voice, the entire story is changed.  Just as the oboist has the job of bringing the duck to life, each of us has a duty to fulfill our own place in the symphony of life.  Trust your purpose.  Let your truth be heard.  Truly, it just may change the story of our lives.  If you don’t do it, it may never be done.