How Great Thou Art

Yesterday at church we sang "How Great Thou Art" (technically we sang it twice...we seem to sing songs twice pretty frequently!) which just so happens to be one of my favorite songs, partly due to the fact my family sang it with the music therapist at my grandma's bedside when she was dying.  It was one of the more beautiful moments of that experience.

A few months ago I was in the hospital (where I work not the hospital where my grandma died) and I passed by our music therapist.  I thought to myself, 'I wonder if she has any idea how big of impact her work has on patients and families?'  Unfortunately, nurses and doctors get all the credit but it takes a HUGE team of people to care for patients.  It really, really takes a village.  Anyway, I felt the Lord urging me to say something to this music therapist...and I am actually learning to step out when God nudges me (okay, sometimes the nudge is more of a push) but the point is I'm learning to go with it.  So I walked up to her and said something to the affect of, "I just wanted to let you know how much what you do means to patients.  I know you don't know me but we had a music therapist come and sing with my family when my grandma was dying last summer and it was such a beautiful moment.  It is my favorite memory of when she died.  And I will forever cherish the song, moment and memory."  To which she responded..."I'm the only music therapist in the area.  What song did you guys sing?"  And I responded with "How Great Thou Art".  And she replied, "That was actually me.  I cover St. Anthony's and All Children's."  I knew God was all over that moment.  And really...How Great Thou Art.  I was able to thank her personally for something I will never forget.  It was such an incredible moment and it felt amazing to be able to express my gratitude to someone that probably goes unnoticed in the care she provides every day.

This music therapist popped into my head as I sang this beautiful song yesterday.  And it made me think about how people effect our lives and never realize it.  It made me think of how something as simple as a musician singing a song can be seriously significant to someone else.  I will forever hold onto that memory.  So as we go about life doing our business...whatever our business might be:  cleaning bathrooms, serving food, sewing clothes, pouring concrete, programming computers, healing wounds, raising kids, or making sweet music, remember you may be touching someone's life in a way you will never appreciate or recognize.  A simple gesture, smile or sharing of kind words may have a lasting impact beyond your knowledge.  Embrace your moment and your place in this world. 

Because I bet that music therapist never knew her 3 minute, acoustic version of "How Great Thou Art" would forever live in my heart.

Psalm 145:3
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;  his greatness no one can fathom.

Music, a hospital, and a purpose,

Ashley Lucille


PS - If by chance you have never heard this song or never heard this song performed by Carrie Underwood.  Download it.  AMAZING.