Devotional: Experiment and Compromise!

So… I think my blog hates me, because I have the hardest time doing things like log in…and yes, Phil, I am using the correct username (finally). Anyway, just some random musings; for a composition class this summer I was required to use the book Harmonic Materials in Tonal Music (I know, sounds like a real thriller! But really, if you’re looking for a good theory book, I’d start there). Anyway, I’m on the last chapter right now and a phrase caught my eye:

…don’t expect a harmonization to take shape instantly; it usually develops slowly, with the final product the result of much experimentation and compromise.

I thought about it for a second, and realized that our lives are like that! We’re all in the middle of composing the concertos of our lives, trying to figure out which choices and relationships produce the right harmonies, trying to avoid incorrect doubling of our mistakes, trying to write expressive melodies without being melodramatic or unappealing as people. So, this is to say that we need to realize that we’re not going to get it right all of the time, but that our lives develop “slowly, with the final product the result of much experimentation and compromise” with our Lord. Some of us go our wholes trying to write our music on intuition or sheer luck and talent; but the only way to really succeed is to have a great teacher. We’re lucky, we have Jesus as our teacher and he’s provided an excellent (if old) theory book for us to take exercises from: the bible.

In whatever you do, realize that life is a journey, not a destination, and that you’re going to make mistakes, even the genius composers had their off-days (heck, listen to Bolero…or better yet, don’t and spare yourself 12 minutes), just keep referring back to your true Teacher and his Textbook, and by the end, you’ll have a beautiful song.