The Message in the Music

When Kevin turned twelve, his grandmother gave him a framed print of a painting entitled “Christ, Our Pilot.” That picture has hung by the door of every place he has lived since then as a reminder to let the Savior guide him when he steps out into the world. Our children have been looking at that painting all their lives and over the past few years, the image has been referenced many times as we’ve counseled with and taught our children. Several years ago, we gave each of them a print of their own for Easter and it has even become the lock screen image on several cell phones.

With this particular painting being such a big part of our family culture, the hymn “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me” has also become a favorite for most of us. It isn’t a hymn we sing all that often in church and it is unfamiliar to many, but in our minds the song and the image fit together perfectly. When Daniel was asked to do a special musical number in sacrament meeting, it was his first-choice song and he and Nathan found a soprano solo arrangement that worked very well as a clarinet solo.

Daniel performed today with Nathan at the piano and it was absolutely beautiful. The Spirit flowed into the room and I found myself misting up a bit because of the message of the song, the beauty of the music, the gratitude that my oldest son has made this song and image an anchor for his faith, and because this will be the last time Daniel performs before he leaves on his mission. With all that rolling around in my mind and heart, I’m actually really proud of myself for just misting up and not becoming a complete mess of tears. But I know that I was not the only one touched by the music. The stake president happened to be in our sacrament meeting today (our two speakers were one recently returned missionary and one who is preparing to leave-they happen to be brothers) and he was moved to tears. After the meeting, he sought out Daniel and Nathan to thank them for sharing such an amazing musical number and to ask for the name of the person who arranged the music. The boys happened to have two paper copies, so they simply gave one to the stake president.

There is power in music. It can invite the Spirit like nothing else. It can soften hearts and inspire minds. It can provide comfort and bring peace. It can create joy and express emotions that are difficult to explain in words. It can be an incredible tool for good. I’ve known that my entire life. I’m so grateful that my children have also discovered the power of music and are using it for good. And I’m grateful that they are learning to let the Savior be their constant guide. With him by their side, they will not be led astray.