The song of the heart

Yesterday was a tough day for me. I slept in, had a headache, wasn't in the mood to do any of the housework that called for my attention, and was generally grouchy.

Around 11:00 in the morning, our ward mission leader (who also happens to be our good friend) called and asked us for a favor. There was a baptism scheduled for 1:00 that afternoon, and because it had all been organized somewhat last-minute, a conductor and pianist were needed.

My husband and I went to the church for the baptism, grumbling a bit about the interruption of our lazy day. He found the missionaries and started the conductor de-briefing process, and I sat down at the (rather old and out-of-tune) piano to play prelude.

After only the first couple of measures, I felt better, and by the time I'd played through several hymns, I felt centered and happy for the first time that day. The songs of our Church - hymns, Primary songs, and other sacred music - always have this effect on me. I'm so grateful for the Spirit that works through music, for the blessings that come from being a member of a church that worships and celebrates with music. I'm grateful also for a Heavenly Father who understands the healing, comforting, lifting powers of beautiful hymns, who gave Emma Smith this important charge:

"And it shall be given thee, also, to make a selection of sacred hymns, as it shall be given thee, which is pleasing unto me, to be had in my church.

"For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads. " (D&C 25:11-12)

My soul also delighteth in the song of the heart - I get that from my Father.