By Ryan Forletta, SSP San Diego 2020 Site Director
Despite not being on the construction site like normal, this spiritual sandwich is aimed at bridging the distance between communities that formerly were able to gather together. Here at Sierra Service Project, we hope we will be able to continue forming intentional communities, even amidst distance.
Personally, I find music has the ability to form these communities no matter the distance. This Bible passage has been a helpful reminder for me to sing and give thanks daily:
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (These are desperate times! MSG)
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.
Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
– Ephesians 5:15-20 (NIV)
In these trying times, we are invited to make the most of every opportunity and live wisely. At the end of the passage, a suggestion is made for how to live life in trying times: song and praise!
Consider the following:
- How has music played a role in your life? What is your interaction with music like today?
- What music do you play when you are sad?
- How does your favorite song make you feel?
- Do you and a friend share a song you both love, listened to on repeat on a road trip, or that defined your summer? When do you play this song and how does it make you feel?
At Sierra Service Project, song and worship are an integral part of the summer. Personally, I have never felt more love in one place than on a quiet summer night singing; hearts united as one.
I’ll leave you with an inspiring excerpt from the song I am the Light of the World, by Jim Strathdee:
To bring hope to every task you do, To dance at a baby's new birth, To make music in an old person's heart, And sing to the colors of the earth
As you continue your day, reflect on how music can help you during these times. Think about how you can share music and love with others despite physical distance. Whether you send a special song to a friend or give a relative a call, we can bring hope to every task we do through music and praise.
Editor’s Note: One of the most celebrated parts of SSP’s programs has always been evening song time. As one way to bring communities together from afar, we hope to launch several live song time sessions! Tune in to SSP’s Facebook to connect with others via music, coming soon.