Dear Honey Run Friends,
I was returning to Honey Run the other evening from a short shopping trip in Canton when the song Friends, performed by Michael W. Smith, came on the radio. Hearing this song immediately brought me back to the fourth grade. A friend and classmate drowned while playing on an icy pond and the entire elementary school had a memorial assembly in his honor at which the choir sang the song Friends. As I choked up a bit reminiscing about that period in my life I was struck with the power of music. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary music is:
The science or art of ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination, and in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity.
While this provides me with the technical definition of music, it does not provide me with an explanation of its power and influence in our lives. Music is everywhere, on television, movies, church, the internet, fairs and festivals, at stores, in the car, on our phones, in the elevator; you cannot escape music. Music conjures up emotions inside of us and adds to our overall life experience as it helps us mark special occasions in our life. I remember watching my not-yet brother in-law take my sisters hand and dance to When You’re Smiling, performed by Sam Butera, at an Italian Festival on a perfect autumn evening. I remember being inspired while listening to my grandparents share their daily duet of Blest Be the Tie That Binds. I remember the carefree days of my youth with the sunroof open in my car on a warm summer day as the speakers were maxed out with the latest rock anthem that got my blood pumping. I think of the playlist on my iPod that I wore out as I awaited the bank’s approval to purchase Honey Run and how I found comfort in so many of the songs of inspiration. I challenge each of you to compile a list of memories that you find dear to your heart and match the music that was present at your memorable moments. Take the time to relive the emotions no matter how painful some may be and as you add up these moments, I bet you will find as I did that my life has been overwhelming blessed with so many memorable experiences. It is easy to lose sight of the greatness that abounds in life if I allow outside influences to dictate my perspective rather than allowing actual life experiences to sculpt my point of view.
As I listen for the song of today’s experience, I hear a new sound, a natural sound, one where the wind rustles the leaves as the birds sing and the animals of the forest chime back. This is the song of Honey Run and all of the experiences that come with a memorable visit to our sanctuary.
I hope you are able to hear the song of Honey Run for yourself soon and create for yourself a memory to accompany the experience.
Sincerely,
Jason
Jason,
How well I can relate. Years ago my 5 year old and I went to hear Michael W. Smith perform in Houston, Texas and that song mwas played. On the way home, we heard the song again playing on the car assette player (remember cars having those?!). Anyway, my 5 year old turned to me and said, “Daddy, that’s our song.” Needless to say, I teared up!
Kind Regards,
Mike Saizan
so true, your letter on music….I love your letters, and your sanctuary! It’s one of the few pieces of non-business email I choose to read each time! Thank you!
I can’t agree more about the way music is everywhere and is truly a great was to express feelings and also to reminisce so many memories.
Thank you for sharing your memories!
My husband and I, along with our group of friends have enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere that your Inn provides! We will continue to stay when we can!
This was a beautiful explanation of the power of music. I am a pianist and love to play for the Lord. That is my way of expressing my heart in worship to Him. We have been at Honey Run several times but not for several years. This is my most favorite place to go. I hope that in the next few months, I will be able to return. Maybe I can even play quietly for your guests when I am there. Thank you for providing this wonderful retreat for us to reflect on God’s goodness and faithfulness to us all.
Blessings.
Music is such wonderful therapy for all – the marriage ceremony, the dance, the ill, the dying. I sang the hymn “Softly and Tenderly” to my mother as she was dying and my son and his wife sang it at her funeral. What a blessing hymns are to the faithful. We love your sanctuary and will visit as often as possible. Thank you!
Always enjoy your letter, Jason. I have many fond memories of many stays at the Inn. I am 86 years old and I’m afraid my traveling days are over. I miss staying at the inn, it is a blessed place . God bless.