During most of the past year, I think I’ve done pretty well with the whole pandemic, stay at home, social distance thing.

Probably because home is where I prefer to be anyway.

Then, for reasons unknown to me, somewhere around Thanksgiving, I felt myself beginning to sink.

Looking for the reason, I began to assess my my relationships, my schedule, my health.

Beginning with looking at relationships, I found that social distancing had not done me any favors.

Covid had given me a reason to not be around so many people, but also it was keeping me away from those who were important to my life.

Except for my husband and children, all others were out, and I had no idea how distressing that was to my soul.

During that time, my relationship with God stayed strong, or I would have probably given up.

Psalm 27:13-14 says I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!

Assessing my schedule, I realized that where I used to schedule my days, I had fallen into a time of very lax scheduling.

Personally, if I don’t schedule it, or write it down, it does not happen.

It did not take long to go down that slide for sure!

For about two months I went through several tests given by some specialized doctors.

After these tests, the findings, all my numbers, with some medication, lined up into the healthy range.

Each one of these assessments ended up bringing me to a positive place, but I still felt that something was missing.

I really couldn’t put my finger on it.

Then one morning as my husband was readying himself for the day, and per usual, he had his music playing.

Very loudly.

I had long since passed the point where I let the volume annoy me, so this time I began to listen, and sing along.

To my surprise, the song I was singing got stuck in my head. Humble and Kind – Tim McGraw .

Others songs got stuck there too.

Songs from church, Is He Worthy? – Chris Tomlin.

Songs from my exercise class, Move (Keep Walkin’) – Toby Mac.

I began singing these songs out loud, unprovoked, and even in my sleep.

Let me tell you that I’m feeling much better, getting more done in my scheduled time, and even have been visiting with people.

Real people.

Zoom people.

Known people.

Stranger people.

What a difference!

For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. Psalm 32:3

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 ESV

According to an article I read on Spinditty.com, renowned vocal coach Audrey Hunt says there are many reasons for you to sing.

She lists six in her article, and I share them with you here.

• Boosts your immune system
• Releases stress
• Benefits your heart
• Increases your energy
• Improves your memory
• Fosters clear thinking through correct breathing

Hunt’s article sites How Music Affects Your Brain with this short video.

I have found all of these things to be very true.

So I encourage you – like Audrey Hunt and Karen Carpenter to Sing, Sing a Song.

Until next time ..