Our son was telling me about the church he and his wife attended at the time.
“You should hear this mother and daughter play their violins together. The girl is only ten or eleven, but she’s good. I think the mom is teaching her.”
Several months later, I happened to be visiting when the mother and daughter were scheduled to play. My heart was filled with delicious anticipation that Sunday morning 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 response 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 with angelic innocence, tenderness, and purity.
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? Please share your story in the Comment section below!
(Revised and reblogged from August 11, 2014. Photo credits: www.visualphotos.com, http://www.maxpixel.net; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.pixabay.com.)
From the Inside Out 
I think I know the mother and daughter of whom you speak – a beautiful description of their bond. And a beautiful application to our life with our loving Lord. Bless you, Nancy.
Yes, Russell, you do know this delightful and talented mother and daughter! Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to leave your kind comment.
The strings of the violin are so pretty when played by the Masters the this duo seems to have really bonded in music as well as mother and daughter. Thanks for posting. Pastor Russ… there were great violinists at your church.
Samuel, you know Pastor Russell? What a fun coincidence! Love your phrase, “bonded in music.” How often do we find ourselves bonded in music to our Heavenly Father? I’m so glad he gave us the gift of making melody and harmony!
oh this just made my evening. Lovely words and story. I feel loved
Praise God these words touched your heart, Jean!
What a wonderful story. I was especially blessed by Psalm 147:11 ‘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.’ What a wonderful Savior!!!
Amen, Cheri. That verse is particularly uplifting, encouraging, and worship-compelling, isn’t it? So glad you found blessing in its affirmations!
Hi Nancy,
I do pray that the Lord does have the freedom to work though the work we all do. A small group of us feel the Lord has called us as media missionaries to geeks and nerds( neeks). Not an easy place, because the church doesn’t always get creative people and the world fights against too much religiosity. The Lord is guiding us a step at a time.
Thank you for your blog and how it ministers.
Gary
Love your term for the group you’re seeking to introduce to Jesus: neeks! Very clever. Praise God for his guidance and may you soon see fruit from your efforts. Thank you so much for your encouragement, Gary! Greatly appreciated.
Nancy, this touched me deeply. Not only was your example a hint of God’s wonderful love toward us, but also showed me what beauty is hidden in earthly relationships when they are focused on worshipping God together. It made me hopeful.
You’re right, Heidi: worshiping God together does augment our earthly relationships–yet another blessing as we seek to honor our God. I’m delighted this post brought you hope, Heidi!