Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (NIV)
When I was growing up, the only “Christian” music was hymns or gospel. I attended a church with a strong music program and loved singing, playing hand bells and flute and listening to the choir and soloists. One Sunday night each month, we held a “hymn sing” when you could call out your favorite hymn number and the congregation would sing that hymn. I had a favorite hymn with a fast tempo and great harmonies. Unfortunately, it was called, “Yield Not to Temptation.” The congregation cracked up when this preteen girl whose dad was Sunday School Superintendent and Chairman of the Deacons requested that song. My High School years were just the beginning of the “Jesus Movement,” and all of a sudden there were songs to sing with contemporary lyrics and musical styles. In addition, there were albums to buy of Christian “pop” artists. What a change to be able to listen to music with a wholesome message that sounded like what was playing on the radio! One of my favorite singers was a young woman named Amy Grant. She was just two years younger than me with a fresh voice and music you could dance to if you attended a church that allowed that, which I did not. Though I’ve never met her, she attended the same college that I did. I once wrote a letter of complaint to the school newspaper when she sang at a homecoming event and some rowdy guys under the influence of alcohol were rude to her while she sang. Over time, Amy Grant and I kind of grew up together. She got married, had kids but did not live a fairy tale life. Struggles and troubles came to her just like me. But, she continued to pour her heart and faith into her music. I think I have all the albums she ever made. My favorite, called Legacy, is a collection of hymns that take me back to my childhood. Though “Yield Not to Temptation” is not there, another favorite hymns, “Be Still My Soul” is. I listen to it frequently when times get tough. I was delighted that after several years of no new albums, Amy Grant released a new CD last week. I bought it on the first day it was out. It reflects the journey of her life with songs written during different times. She sings of hardship and pain, of joy and happiness. I love just about every song on that album, but one in particular, “Overnight”, I play over and over. It is a duet with her daughter, Sarah, who is 17. The lyrics are a mother’s instruction to her daughter about an important life lesson. The words are what I wish the young people in my life could understand as they embark into their adulthood. The chorus says, “If it all just happened overnight, you wouldn’t know how much it means. If it all happened overnight, you would never learn to believe what you cannot see.” Like James in the verses above, Amy Grant knows though it isn’t always comfortable, things that don’t come easy are what you cherish most.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Gm1lVWXwEs
Overnight written by Natalie Hemby, Luke Laird, Audrey Spillman and Amy Grant; sung by Amy Grant and Sarah Chapman
(Amy)
So you’ve handed in your resignation.
Contemplating why nothing turns out right.
A little fed up with all the disappointment.
So what’s the point in wasting any time?
It’s only temporary. So what’s your hurry?
No need to worry. Don’t you know that?
If it all just happened overnight, you wouldn’t know how much it means.
If it all happened overnight, you would never learn to believe what you cannot see.
(Sarah)
I feel like my pace is at a standstill.
Do I wait ‘till it falls into my hands?
A long highway ahead getting started
Steady hearted is what I think I am.
There’s something to be said for experience.
Who knows what’s ahead?
Keep on going.
If it all just happened overnight, you wouldn’t know how much it means.
If it all happened overnight, you would never learn to believe what you cannot see.
(Amy and Sarah take turns)
Take it one day at a time.
One foot in front of the other.
Take it one day at a time.
No need to hurry.
Take it one day at a time.
It won’t happen overnight.
Have a little faith.
You must appreciate every single day
Don’t give up no.
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