My dad was a music lover. He especially loved Classical music, and especially Mozart. Dad was also an audiophile. He had the best hi-fidelity stereo of his day. The speakers, which he built himself, were huge, taking up much space in our living room.
Tragically, Dad became completely deaf in his early 60s. I asked him if he missed listening to his music. His reply surprised me. He said, “No. That is just one less thing I have to worry about.”
You see, by that time, Dad was content. He spent his days studying the Bible and writing. His worldly ambitions were behind him. He no longer wanted anything to clutter his mind, or take up too much space in his life.
I now understand. A few years ago I started suffering from fatigue. After multiple trips to the doctor (and it takes a lot for me to go to the doctor), it was discovered that I had an autoimmune disorder that affects my thyroid, which causes fatigue. It was during this time, as a result of the fatigue, that I took an early retirement. I thought, however, that I would eventually regain my health and have a very active retirement life.
Now, four years later, I’m still tired! (I have good days, too, but even then, I’ve slowed down considerably). Surprisingly, though, my mind has become clear. The brain fog lifted. I can spend HOURS reading the Bible and studying. Also, I have found that I am more patient in dealing with people and in dealing with everyday frustrations. I am more available to people who need me. I am no longer in a hurry. Surprisingly, I have never been more content!
What is my point in relaying these two anecdotes? That sometimes, if we can’t crucify the flesh ourselves, The Lord will do it for us, literally! With my father, losing his hearing helped him block out the world and pursue the Lord with all his might. If I had the energy I once had, I would probably be pursuing activities that would clutter my life and hinder me from focusing on Jesus. The pursuit of the pleasures of this life is one less thing to worry about.
Charles Tindley 1Here is a link to a quick bio on Charles Tindley. https://www.hymnologyarchive.com/charles-albert-tindley It is interesting to read about the lives of our Christian Hymn writers. You will find that their hyms usually came as a result of trials and tribulations. They were authentic Christians. expressed this concept so eloquently in his hymn, Nothing Between.
Nothing between my soul and the Savior,
Naught of this world’s delusive dream;
I have renounced all sinful pleasure;
Jesus is mine, there’s nothing between.
Refrain:
Nothing between my soul and the Savior,
So that His blessed face may be seen;
Nothing preventing the least of His favor;
Keep the way clear! Let nothing between.
Nothing between, like worldly pleasure;
Habits of life, though harmless they seem,
Must not my heart from Him ever sever;
He is my all, there’s nothing between.
Nothing between, like pride or station;
Self or friends shall not intervene;
Though it may cost me much tribulation,
I am resolved, there’s nothing between.
Nothing between, e’en many hard trials,
Though the whole world against me convene;
Watching with prayer and much self-denial—
Triumph at last, there’s nothing between.
