Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise! (James 5:13)
A little birdie told me that people won't comment on my Make Joyful Noise themes because I list too many examples. So today I'll limit myself to a description and one story. I hope my readers will step up with more stories and examples of their own.
Motors and engines aren't necessarily joyful noise to most people. I played organ at a church in South Minneapolis for a year, and the nearby airport was a recurring cause of annoying noise for the surrounding community. I know there are certainly times and places where the noise of airports is anything but joyful, but for the most part the sounds of airplane jet engines have positive connotations for me.
For one thing, I love to travel, and the moment of departure is always a moment of excitement, with a palpable sense of potential. The destination hardly matters to me. I simply love the different atmosphere of a new place, and the chance to explore and experience new things. Of course, the return trip is also a joy, and being reunited with a loved one upon his return is also a fantastic moment. Thus, the sound of airplanes represents either hope for a new adventure or the comfort of being reunited - both joyful events that transform the jet engine noise to beautiful music to my ears.
So, beauty is not only in the eye of the beholder, but also the ear? I am reminded of a camping trip where someone (not you!) complained that the beavers splashing their tails at night woke them up. Personally, I like this wake-up, as it allows me to listen to all the other night sounds (the music of the night?).
ReplyDeleteLawnmowers are busy at work all over my neighborhood today - so the weather is nice and people have free time - both joyous things that we might miss as winter arrives.
ReplyDeleteSometimes the sound of silence is a joyful thing in a noisy world. I love to be up early morning before the TV gets put on, before the rest of the family and the dog are up and the bustle of the getting ready for the day starts. That sound of silence is a tranquility that I crave.
ReplyDeleteOne joyful sound I do not hear lately is that of the school bus stopping to pick up kids at the corner of our street. Since the school levy failed in North Olmsted, there is no busing for children within 2 miles of the school. I miss the sound of the opening and closing of the bus doors, especially at the beginning of the school year. I would experience feelings as well as the sound - butterflies for the nervous kids going off to school in the morning, and relief for them that the day is over and it's time for an after school snack and a bike ride!
ReplyDeleteI hope that the levy passes next time!
I travel out of town for work every week. To me there is no more joyful sound at 25,000 ft. then the sound of a jet engine.
ReplyDeleteI'm the music nerd who, at the end of the work day, thrills to the sound of complete silence in my car on the way home.
ReplyDeleteMy washing machine has had a mind of its own for the past few months so joyful noise is hearing it working correctly!!
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