The Sweetest Sound
The past few weeks have been beautiful with the fall leaves in all their glory. Although the weather has changed and most of the leaves have fallen, I still enjoy driving through the countryside taking it all in. So many beautiful scenes of rolling hills, pastures, livestock, and quaint country churches. I saw a sign last week in front of a small country church.
It read:
“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.”
I read the sign and said the words out loud. “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.”
“How sweet the sound. The sound?”
Wait. Grace has a sound? And it’s sweet?
I have sung this song for years but have never thought about the fact that we say Grace has a sound.
It begs me to ask the question, what does Grace sound like? I think Grace sounds beautiful if we think about it.
It’s like saying freedom has a sound. Or grief has a sound. Or hope has a sound. I prayed “Lord, show me what Grace sounds like!” A few things came to mind this week.
Grace sounds like a newborn’s first cry, or an elderly parent’s last breath.
Grace sounds like rain falling to the earth, where the ground gets renewed and hearts do too.
Grace sounds like leaves falling to the ground, reminding us it’s ok to let go.
Grace sounds like “I’m sorry.” “Please forgive me.” Or “You are forgiven.”
Grace sounds like the voice of a friend calling you to check in on you.
Grace sounds like laughter on the inside of your home, right before you open the door after a long day, and you can hear happiness.
Grace sounds like “You are welcome here and wanted.”
Grace sounds like “goodnight” so we can let the day go. Or “good morning” so we can try one more time.
Grace sounds like new fallen snow, reminding us that quietness and peace give us strength.
Grace sounds like a grandmother’s prayer, prayed over you many years ago, but still taking effect in your life.
Grace sounds like the whispers of the Holy Spirit, through his Word, his creation, and in worship.
Grace sounds like the Savior gently saying “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
This week, tune out the noise and chaos of the world, and listen for the sweet sounds of Grace in your life.
What does Grace sound like to you?