Author’s Note:

Recently, I wrote a post about a record store experience that made me recognize and appreciate the process and journey that I am on. That post sparked a second post about how and why I decide on an album purchase and what that taught me about engaging with God in deeper ways. These posts sparked a series through which God is continuing to lead and speak through something as simple as a stack of vinyls. Here is part four of “For the Record.”

No Turning Back

I think it is impossible for someone who truly loves music to have a favorite song. At least that’s true for me. While there are a lot of songs that I really like, I just can’t commit to a single piece of music as the absolute best. The best I can offer is the distinction of “The song I really like listening to right now.” When I find one of these songs, I want to listen to it on repeat. I play it in the car, I listen to it at work, and I accidentally sing it out loud while grocery shopping. You know, normal stuff.

The point is, when a song captures my heart for a moment, I go all in.

If you are into digital music¹, this is no problem. In fact, you can set your player on “repeat one” and just let that song play on a loop. If you Listen to your music on records, this practice gets difficult. I’ll spare you the details as we talked about the reasons why that is in my last post and the reason for this difficulty is quite similar. Just like a record player doesn’t have a skip button, it doesn’t have a back button either. So, unless that “song of the moment” is the first track on a record, listening on repeat is a challenge.

What this challenge has done for me is force me to appreciate that top song a little more². When I put the record on, I know I’ll need to wait through a few songs until I reach that favorite track. When my song finally comes on, I turn the volume up a little and savor the moment. Usually, this is a peak moment. I enjoy my song and then move on with the rest of the album.

Then there are other times. Times when the unthinkable happens. My favorite song comes on and just before it gets to the best part, the phone rings.

---

Do you know your core values? Establishing core values is key to living the life you were created to live. If you don’t know your personal values, I’d love to help. Click the button below to get my free values assessment tool.

---

This happened to me a few days ago. My jam was number three on the record. I listened to the first two songs and finally, it was time to hear the song I’d been waiting for. The intro plays through then gives way to verse one. The verse builds toward the chorus and I am about to sing embarrassingly loud in my office when the phone rings. I took the call and walked out of my office. After the call is over, I return to my office to the sound of silence. The song and the record have ended. I missed it.

At first, I was annoyed. I wanted my song back. I felt like a great moment in my day was taken from me. The most annoying part was that the caller had no idea what they had robbed me of! I don’t even remember the content of the conversation. All I remember is being extremely put off by this interruption.

As I begrudgingly reset the album, I sensed the Lord whispering, “People matter more.”

In that moment, I was encouraged to be someone who is available to the people who need me. I’m not suggesting that we shouldn’t have healthy boundaries. What I am suggesting is that we should hold the less important things loosely and allow ourselves to be interruptible by the people around us.

I get it, being frustrated that my song got interrupted is petty and I am aware. Am I playing it up a bit for the post, yes, I am. But there are plenty of times in my life when interruptions cost me more than a few minutes of Taylor’s version. In those times I have to ask myself what matters more. Is it the task I am doing or the person in front of me? Again, I am not suggesting that I will never ask that person to come back a little later, schedule an appointment, or send me an email. There are times when those methods are the best path forward. What I am saying is that we should never let our tasks or our to-do list cause us to lose sight of the people in our lives.

Paul in his letter to the Romans encourages us to “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality” (Rom. 12:10-13 NIV). Over and over throughout the pages of scripture, we are reminded that people matter to God. We are his prized creation and we should view each other as such.

So whether you’re listening to your favorite song, writing that crucial business proposal, or trying to get some laundry done, always have an eye for the people God sends your way. Allow Him to guide your steps and your conversations. Embrace the interruptions that come your way knowing that people and relationships are the key pieces of the truly meaningful moments.

1. I am not hating digital music. Its probably the number one way in which I consume music. Don’t at me!

2. Maybe a little too much as we’ll get to in a moment.

Notes:

*This post is part of a series of posts called “For the Record.” This series is all about what I have learned through the hobby of collecting vinyl records. “For the Record” captures the heart of what the “This Awesome Life” blog and podcast is all about; hearing God speak through everyday moments. Use the links below to read the other posts in this series:

Part 1: The Thrill of the Hunt.
Part 2: Going All In.
Part 3: No Skips
Part 5: Weight for It
Part 6: Setting the Record Straight