I've never been good at remembering when Lent starts. And when it does, I've never been good at sacrificing and staying with it. It's the truth. I'm not proud of it. So, when I started work today and the first few customers came in with black on their foreheads, it wasn't a surprise to me that I immediately thought they got some dirt somehow on them.
I found myself in a mini-panic, fearing that I was likely the only person who hadn't spend time in deep, spiritual contemplation for the next 40 days of my life. So, I thought quick with something I could "give up". Wait...didn't I just do this back on December 31st and fail miserably? Why am I already back at this whole giving-up thing? I could give up sweets, or coffee, or pop or some kind of food that I really love to indulge in. But it seemed to me to be such a cookie cutter decision (and if you know me at all, I don't like to do the "normal" thing). Embarrassingly enough, I even solicited some customers from the coffee shop to find something for me to give up. But when one of them asked me what some of my vices are, I couldn't think of any. Because I'm perfect. Right?
HA! Far from it. In fact, I'm writing this blog to let you in on a less-than-proud fact about me by what I've chosen to give up. To most, it may seem like nothing. But to me, it's huge. HUGE.
I....ladies and gents, am giving up secular music. I'm only allowing myself to listen to Christian music.
For as long as I can remember, I've loved music of all kinds. Growing up, I was only allowed to listen to Christian music. Sandi Patti and A cappella are the only groups/people I can ever remember listening to. In my younger years, I remember my sister specifically buying me a new CD of Cece Winans and getting me a new CD player for my birthday because she wanted me to listen to better music. For some reason, she was getting tired of me singing The Little Mermaid soundtrack into a hairbrush.
I don't like to listen to the radio. But I do love to make my own playlists. I have a few for my different moods or different activities. But I love ALL kinds of music. I can go from listening to Beethoven to Los Lonely Boys in a matter of seconds. When it's rainy or cloudy, I seem to prefer some Norah Jones, John Mayer or Michael Buble. When I run or workout, I like some Rob Thomas, Maroon 5, Pink, Justin Timberlake and the like. My playlists are filled with anything from Justin Bieber and One Direction (look away! I'm ashamed!) to Colbie Caillat, Adele, Lionel Richie, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Lopez, Josh Groban, Bruno Mars, Chopin and Beethoven, and so many more. Almost every time period, almost every genre. I listen to music in my car, at work, at home. The headphones come with me when I go to the kids' practices. Simply said, I just love music.
And It's not that I don't like Christian music. I LOVE it. I really do. And I love the fact that there are so many different genres of Christian music than there used to be. It's just that I like variety.
Ridding secular music from my life for the next 40 days won't break me. But I will have to give clear and concise thought to what I am actually allowing myself to listen to. I had to spend some good time earlier tonight putting together a strictly-Christian workout mix and one for around the house. And I'm excited about listening to it the next several weeks. I'm most excited, however, about feeding my mind and soul with thoughts solely on worship and focus on Christ and the work He has done in my life. I'm embarrassed to admit how much I don't listen to Christian music. But I'm admitting it. And I'm changing it.
So, with that said, I would love for any of you to respond with some of your favorite Christian songs that you like to listen to, both for relaxing and also maybe to workout to. Keep feeding me with new stuff, any genre of Christian music and I would love to hear some new stuff. In the meantime, I'm leaving you with a link to a song that has become one of my favorite Christian tunes and that has inspired me to make this commitment.
From Christian artist, Jimmy Needham....."Clear the Stage".
Favorite lyrics (although I love ALL of them):
"Anything I put before my God is an idol. Anyting I want with all my heart is an idol. Anything I can't stop thinking about is an idol. Anything that I give all my love is an idol."
I may, just because I can't help it, still sing this into a hairbrush. You're welcome, Kelz ;)
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