Russle of Spring

My early years of growing up I lived in a very different era. I was surrounded by my great aunts and great grandparents. After a hard day of work, we would sit outside and talk, play and laugh. In their homes, there was the smell of homemade bread and many other homemade foods. My great aunt's chickens were in her back yard and her chicken Charlie would make her way into my aunt’s house every afternoon to lay her eggs. We often rode horses, climbed trees or played in their huge yard. I was surrounded by family and enjoyed many happy memories. One of my favorites were the times when my mom would play hymns or classical pieces like Rustle of Spring. My ears grew to appreciate her piano music and I enjoyed singing hymns with her when she played. To this day in the age of rock music and praise and worship songs, my soul aches for the music of those long lost years. Piano music soothes my soul and hymns are what I retreat to when I need to de-stress. I live in a new generation but my soul lives in the old generation. That is where I am fed, comforted and calmed.

What calms your soul when you are stressed? What do you need to do to create peace and sanity when your life feels overwhelming? Are there favorite memories that help you during these times? Is there a place that you like to go? Is there certain music that helps you? Everyone is different but we all have things that help us relax when we are stressed out. My hope is that instead of reaching for destructive things that we will turn to God and to the positive things that will bring us peace. May God help each of us find the ways that work for us.