Will Simon be in Heaven...?

I don't care how hard I try to not care about American Idol.... it keeps luring me back year after year. It's a musical addiction really. I usually can stand to skip the first month or so when all of the really embarrassing auditions are strewn all over the country for everyone to see. Everyone is always so critical of Simon during these first few episodes... but COME ON! William Hung? How can you NOT agree with him? Give me some real singin'... and I mean SANGIN'!!

I am convinced music is going to be an important part of our heavenly life someday. Who doesn't love music? Sure, everyone might have an opinion on which style, tempo or artist they prefer... but music truly connects with the soul in a way that no other medium can.

There have been so many times in my life, whether it be standing amidst 200 fellow singers in a choir, sitting in a my car listening to a chord that only God Himself could have constructed, or relating to the honest lyrics of a pure-voiced singer, I'm brought to tears and laughter all at once. It's actually... a little embarrassing that I can turn into this blubbering blob... even from just hearing a chord sung in tune. Ya... I was an emotional wreck of a choir director, I can tell you that right now!

I went to a conference for music educator's this past January in Grand Rapids. It always touts the "who's who" of choirs and directors from around the state. I always enjoy going, as being with other music teachers who "get" what I "get" about music makes me feel a little less crazy.... though- there ARE a lot of music geeks out there:)

There was a high school african drumming group at one of the conference sessions. They were there to demonstrate the basic principals of communal drumming, chant and dance. Their presentation went uninterrupted for a solid 20 minutes. No one in the room could sit still... the music beckoned us all.

I'm actually glad that the music was so loud, as it distracted everyone from the tears that flowed freely down my cheeks. At one point, I was totally sobbing... the beat... the rhythm.. like an ethereal heartbeat... I couldn't control myself...

How can his awkward geek of a white girl "get" this music? I can't explain it, but I know it is good. I admire people who can SANG and dance so freely... I'm looking forward to being a part of that heavenly music someday... I can live with my 60 minute "Idol" fix for now... and frankly, I hope that heaven has room for a wise-cracking self-absorbed British guy... singing just wouldn't be the same without him:)