Music has a way of bringing either great joy and happiness or sorrow and sadness. Many times after a divorce people take a break from music just to help level out their emotions.
My favorite genre was country music. We played it in the house, went to concerts and listened to it faithfully. I just loved my country music! But after my divorce, listening to country music reminded me of love, happiness and a forever after that no longer existed for me. I found the lyrics making me very lonely for what I did have and sad for what I didn’t have. Certain songs would flood my mind with all sorts of memories – some good and some bad. Whenever that would happen I would sink into depression, regret and sometimes even anger. It came to a point when I just decided if I was going to get through this I needed to take a break from the music. This hiatus allowed me to heal without the constant roller coaster of emotions that the music would bring.
It was 3 years before I could listen to country music again. I know that seems like a long time; I think I’m a slow learner! During that period I substituted the emptiness with listening to Christian artists. I grew to enjoy them a lot and have continued to make that my selection for music. Sure, I slowly got back into country, but whenever the emotions would stir again I would just shut it off and move on.
For those of you who may not be familiar with Christian music, you should check it out. There are many different styles and types of Christian music these days that I am confident you could find something you would like.
I am reminded of a scripture verse that encourages us to pay attention to what we listen to. In Philippians 4: 8&9 it says: Finally , brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
This is a great reminder for music and anything else we allow to enter into our mind. I assure you that if you monitor what’s going in, you will like what’s coming out. Again I remind you, think on these things.
