Ralph Marston, an American writer once remarked: “Live your days on the positive side of life, in tune with your most treasured values. And in each moment you'll have much to live for.” Philippians 4:7-9 reminds us: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me - practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
"In tune with life" is a favored idiom that implies a person is fully unveiled and aware of the presence and significance of happenings, be it on a global scale, and/or in the immediate vicinity. It embraces the beauty and progress of life without hindrance, essentially living with a deeper appreciation and connection to the environment and one’s inner self, coupling it with a sense of joy and understanding. Life only creates what one puts into it. It's primarily about remaining mindful and aligned to the natural rhythms of an existence. Individual strands combine to form essential factors that could be likened to a musical chordophonic instrument. Separate strings require the correct amount of tension to resonate a beautiful and refined sound. But, each need to consistently remain in harmony with everything else to achieve the perfect timbre. If one plays them well, then the sounds reward.
Strands could be related to the harmonies of life. They are interactions formed over time with the many elements of everyday life. These include general relationships with others, love and friendship including family members, work encounters, education, passions and achievements. Romans 12:16-18 confirms: “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
If a musical instrument becomes out of tune, then there is often discord as a result. Its neglect may often be the primary cause of such an imperfection. Selfish needs may symbolize straying from the right path and going one’s own way, discarding everything that life has to offer. That can damage the melodious orchestration of life. The instrument can’t perform as originally intended as the correct tension of its strings becomes slack through dilapidation. However, when that instrument is found, the strings lovingly tightened and plucked again, then beautiful music is once more palpitated and a new rejuvenated life begins.
Luke 15:11-32 confirms: And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’
And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.
And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant.
And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”
A certain amount of tension at the correct levels can be beneficial to life. Too much can cause damage or create discomfort, too little causes slackness where little is achieved. Tension takes one out of their comfort zone, but that may allow a person to perform better as challenges can aid production. They may force one to think creatively, innovate or develop solutions, or perhaps gain knowledge and understanding. James 1:2-4 reminds us: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
In the ideal aggregate, God’s challenges can inspire, motivate, enhance personal growth, strengthen relationships through understanding and forgiveness. Just like retuning a beloved stringed instrument to its original glory, the result can be impressive. Revelation 11:15 reminds us: “Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.”
The orchestrations of life could reflect the footsteps we take. Each step has an individual but defined purpose. They reflect the overall experiences, emotions and special moments attributed to everyone. Suzy Kassem, an American writer once remarked: “You are a valuable instrument in the orchestration of your own world, and the overall harmony of the universe. Always be in command of your music. Only you can control and shape its tone. If life throws you a few bad notes or vibrations, don't let them interrupt or alter your song.” Psalm 37:23-26 reminds us: “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand. I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.”
To walk in the pathway of God is to attempt to create melodious music with instruments perfectly tuned. Those who continually follow the temptations of want and selfishness are like trees that are planted away from the vicinity of water. They may lack the necessary and vital refreshment to sustain life. If they change, after realizing their errors, and return to the fold of fruitful replenishment, then like the prodigal son they will be welcomed, fed and nourished with sweet sounds. Psalm 1:1-3 reminds us: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”
Amen.
