Our son was telling me about the church he and his wife attend.
“You should hear this mother and daughter play their violins together. The girl is only ten or eleven, but she’s very talented. I think the mom is teaching her.”
It would be delightful to hear them, I thought.
Several months later, I happened to attend their church when the mother and daughter were scheduled to play. My heart was filled with delicious anticipation as they approached the piano with their violins.
Soon soft, mellow notes of melody and harmony resonated through the broad, high-ceilinged sanctuary. My son had not been exaggerating. They were both gifted violinists.
I had to hold back the tears.
Yes, the sweet music touched my spirit. However, my reaction arose from more than that.
The music was greatly enhanced by the mystical bond between mother and daughter.
One evidence of that bond was the subtle means by which the two remained in sync. The mother would nod her head or sway slightly as she directed the music. However, the girl didn’t actually watch. Just every now and then she would make eye contact over her violin–and smile at her mother like an angel—pure, innocent, and tender.
Her eyes seemed to say, “I love doing this with you,” Mother smiled her love and pleasure in return.
In fact, the very atmosphere seemed to be permeated with love during those moments. But the affection of parent and child was only a part.
The Spirit of God and his love flowed in wondrous waves through the music and that mother and daughter. God’s love—the width, length, height, and depth that Paul spoke of*– filled every nook of that sanctuary.
Surely I was not the only one who felt wrapped in God’s warm embrace during those moments.
And to be loved by God is no small matter.
He is the Master of the universe and the King of glory. Angels sing his praises continually. And yet he delights in us, who reverence him and put our hope in his unfailing love (Psalm 147:11).
Isn’t that knowledge alone enough to astound the intellect and overwhelm the heart with joy?
The only possible response is worship, from a heart overflowing with gratitude. An overflow that often becomes tears, as praise intertwines with the invisible but palpable touch of God.
And I can almost hear him say, “I love doing this with you.”
* * * * * * * * * *
When has the overflow of love for God and gratitude to him brought you to tears? Share your story in the Comment section below.
*Ephesians 3:18
(Photo credit: www.visualphotos.com.)
From the Inside Out 
This was wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. I’ve experienced the same thing…being moved to tears by something beautiful only to have Him whisper, “THIS is how much I love you.” Thanks for putting into words my feelings.
Is it September yet??????
Love, Mick
Thank you, Micki. So glad I could express your feelings, sweet friend.
We, too, are GREATLY looking forward to September!
Nancy, This is beautiful and only enchances our love for God and the love we receive from Him, far more than we can comprehend.
Bless You,
Janet
Thank you, Janet. Indeed: Praise God for his overwhelming, eternal love!
I love this, Nancy. So much. Thank you.
So glad you found the post meaningful, Diana. Consider it a small thank you gift, in appreciation for the numerous times your posts have blessed me!
So special, a mothers love for a daughter, and mingled with God’s love and what a joy , Music is the language of love. Thanks for this beautiful message.
you are special, I look forward to your blogs.
Love, Tedi
PS. My Dad made violins, and violin music brings back such beautiful memories of family, all playing, and singing together on a Sunday afternoon.. Pure Joy.
I’m so glad you found the post meaningful, Tedi. I didn’t know that your dad made violins. How interesting! Indeed: family and music do combine into an experience of pure joy! Thank you for being such a loyal follower, Tedi.
I love this… Thank you for teaching me all about God’s amazing unfailing love… It still causes my heart to overflow in worship and gratitude… We praise God for You and Steve for being vessels of His incredible love… We treasure your friendship… And look forward to visiting in Oct!!❤
Just remember, I learned just as much from you–probably more. I, too, praise God for the miracle of your lives. And, hip-hip-hooray, more good times to come in October!
You said it all when you said “to be loved by God is no small matter.” Why He should love me and die for me and care for me, knowing the number of hairs on my head…that moves me to tears.
The chorus of the hymn “Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)” expresses it better than I ever could::
“Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day”
Oh, yes. That old hymn beautifully captures the essence of our wonder! Thank you for adding the lyrics here, Cheri.
A beautiful story Nancy. Love captures all. Blessings.
So glad you found the story meaningful, Laura. ‘Missing you, friend!
Hi Nancy, The way you ended this message was with such a tender thought was very meaningful. Thank you. Love, Diane
Sent from my iPhone
How lovely to hear from you, Diane! And thank you for taking the time to comment. I’m delighted you found the message meaningful.