My column from this weekend’s parish bulletin
Music can really change how my day goes. Lest you think I’m a super-pious person, I want to set the record straight. I wake up on the wrong side of the bed and have a grouchy streak a mile wide, just like everyone else.
But, lately, I’ve found myself turning to some of my favorite Catholic musicians for support when I’m having one of “those” days. Sometimes I even pull out my secret music weapon when either of my girls transform into Little Miss Attitude.
It’s amazing how hearing Sarah Bauer belt out “Mary’s Got My Back” or Popple go from “Peanut Butter Sandwiches” to “Salt of the Earth” can make our frowns go topsy turvy. When I’m not sure what direction I’m supposed to go in, I can pop in almost any song from Sarah Bauer’s album “Radiance” and feel the Holy Spirit at work.
On the really tough days, the ones that require extra helpings of chocolate and at least five hugs, I don’t settle for less than Matt Maher or Jeremy Camp. And if I need a calm voice, Father Groeschel’s “The Rosary is a Place” audio rosary can get me off the ledge faster than even a certain unnamed parish priest.
Though so much of my hyper-connected life leaves me with my eyes crossed, my iPod as music therapy does not!
I’m one of those people who hasn’t caught up with the modern age and lack an iPod or any portable MP3 player. I do use Catholic radio to serve this same purpose. Sometimes I listen online because the air broadcast doesn’t always reach my house vai my cheesy clock radio. I listen to http://www.spiritfm905.com . I also have created some faith-based Pandora stations that I really enjoy.
Right there with ya!