The Gift Of Music

After our worship service, many residents had a glow on their faces from the joy of singing and worshipping together. One resident in the front row sat relaxed and beaming in her wheelchair and said, “I just love when we sing!”

I looked over at a visitor and said, “And singing is good for us, right Dr. Jennings?” Dr. Jennings has a doctorate in music and was visiting her mother and singing with us. She said, “Oh, yes, it’s very good for us!”

All of you who lead residents in singing are doing a wonderful, wonderful thing for them – as you can tell by the smiles on their faces! Medical research confirms what you see. Studies show that group singing leads to greater health and well-being for the singers. There are improvements in expressive language, emotional regulation, appropriate socialization, self-confidence – and lowered anxiety levels.

Thank God for the gift of music, for singing, for beautiful hymns and songs and for His instruction to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord!”