Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
“Melody is thoroughly moral, and consequently free; it is the heart’s utterance, and follows and renders its emotions faithfully; when brilliant, it recalls our joys; when sweet and lingering, it portrays our rare and delicious intervals of repose; it sighs for our disquietudes, and sways beneath our sorrows, like a friend who shares them.”
Sophia Soymonof Swetchine a.k.a. Madame Swetchine (1782-1857) in Day’s Collacon, compiled and arranged by Edward Parsons Day (New York: IPPO, 1884) 558.
I love this statement about melody from an influential Russian writer who spent her prime in Paris. It describes the life of generous people who share the burdens and sorrows of others. Their life is a melody. Reminds me of Lifesong by Casting Crowns. But for many of us, our lives may be more like a clashing symbol.
Notice three aspects of this description. Melody “renders emotions faithfully.” I wish I could do that. I am learning. It “portrays our rare and delicious intervals of repose” or those sweet moments of peace in life. And it “sighs for our disquietudes, and sways beneath our sorrows, like a friend who shares them.”
In that sense melody ministers to us by understanding us, granting us peace, and carrying our burdens. What difference did her life make? Many say that she shaped the church in France through her influence and writings. Not by power though, she made sweet melody and, you could say, people sang along.
Does your generous living appears as blaring music or a sweet melody?