"The Music of Life"

Music has always been an important part of my life. Although I am not overly talented in playing any instruments, I do appreciate music and think it enhances our lives in all areas. It is an integral part of my church services, it pumps up sporting events, it helps create emotion in movies, and just adds to the quality of life when we hear something that moves us on the radio.

My brother and his children are the musicians in my family. My wife and I made sure that each of our boys took music for one year. We were determined they have the exposure, and then if they had talent we would see it in that year. We didn't see it. But now they both do enjoy different forms of music and my youngest has taken up the guitar. So maybe we did the right thing with the exposure.

My brother Tommy's family is a different story. His sons, Bo and Todd, have been musically inclined since birth. They play all kinds of instruments and sing beautifully. They come by it naturally since my brother has played piano, clarinet, saxophone, and organ for years. He also has a fantastic voice.

For several years Bo and Todd toured with Christian musicians such as Amy Grant, Michael W Smith and the Sharretts. Bo's last tour was with the country group "Rascal Flatts." He played keyboard for them and sang backup. But now he has stopped touring and is completing a degree in music in Tennessee.

Todd is also working in Nashville and recently got married. He got married in Fort Walton Beach, Florida and my wife Terry and I went to the wedding. It was held at his uncle's home and was a beautiful occasion. The highlight of the celebration was the music.

During the service Bo sang a song he and Todd had written called "The Promise of Love." It was about their mother promising them that the right girl was out there waiting for them. It said not to give up because they could trust their mother and what she said was true. The song was just beautiful and there wasn't a dry eye in the house when it was finished.

The other music for the wedding was even more special. It started with a tape of an eight year old Todd singing "Let There Be Peace On Earth" and then the music segued into an accompaniment arrangement. My brother Tommy, Bo, Todd, and their sister Robin stepped forward and sang a "live" version of that same song. They had never sounded better. It was wonderful to hear and see.

Like I said at the start, music enhances our lives. It makes the good times better, the bad times bearable, and the spiritual times even more inspirational. It is definitely one of God's gifts to us.

The gift of song certainly added to the spirit of love on Todd and Emma's wedding day and I hope they will be making beautiful music together for the rest of their lives. And I wish the same for you.

 

 

 

 

 

©2004 Jackie K. Cooper

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