Jewells of Thought

Is there a song that every time you hear it you think, I could have written that song! Heirlooms is the title of one of those songs that has fit me more than once. I literally have a history with this song.

As a teenager, I heard it performed at church by a legend; accompanied by my mother on the piano. I remember looking at the music and thinking wow that looks hard. First impressions can be deceiving.

Mom had made a copy of the song and years later I took a second glance at that sheet music. The one thing I noticed was that someone had added notes to the music. Those extra marks made the music seem more difficult than it really was to read through. Playing through that first time was incredible. The song was layered, simple and intricate sounding and with words that pierced my heart. My focus though was on playing not singing it as yet.

Once I learned the song, singing the words came in time. I envisioned each phrase as the lyric reached my mind. Before I knew it I had performed and yes, I played it myself. It wasn’t the first time I had done so, but sometimes it still feels like a challenge. Plus differing sanctuaries can add to the multiplication of butterflies as much as the nerves of meeting gazes of each congregation.

The second time, at least I think so, was after a death. My youngest uncle on my Mom’s side had died, and I had forgotten in the frenzy of those last two weeks. I was slotted to perform for Sunday morning. Not until sitting back down did my emotions hit me.

The third performance was at a Mother’s Day Banquet. Ironically, this time was not long after that legendary lady was welcomed home by Christ. Practicing was easy enough, but my emotions got the best of me that evening and the tears came during the song.

The last time I performed this piece, I prayed over and over. I didn’t want to cry again, but I did want it to be a blessing to the congregation. My prayer was answered. I felt the Lord’s guidance, allowing me to ease through the song. Although it was a blessing for me and others were quick to say so, only God knows the extent.

What heirlooms have been left to you? Is there a song where God reveals Himself to you in? He is the greatest gift you can accept that your waiting relatives would want you to find among their heirlooms for you!

I recorded this song specifically to make this video. It was at the beginning of covid and there were friends and family that couldn’t make Grandma’s funeral. So I made this for them to watch and remember Rosemary and our family.