Genius is Divine

Yesterday, two big boxes showed up on our front porch. There were pictures of kitchen appliances on them. I glanced over at Chris, “Did you order something?” He was already looking at me and I could see the expression on his face with no need for words, “How much did this cost me?” But when we brought the boxes inside, we realized neither of us had made a purchase, inside the boxes were treasures.

These treasures were boxed up in the guise of kitchen appliances, but they were actually the recorded genius of composers and musicians over the last decades and centuries. These precious vinyl records had been collected and meticulously cared for by my grandfather, Papa, who enjoyed them each evening while returning home after a committed day of neurosurgery where he spent his time, talent and intellectual gifts preserving the genius of others who were fortunate enough to have him as their physician.

I opened the second box and pulled out a beautiful collection - all nine of Beethoven’s symphonies recorded and preserved. In front of the records was a booklet about Beethoven that I have yet to finish reading, but what struck me was Beethoven’s love of nature. He immersed himself in it while creating the exquisite pieces we still cherish today. He connected with his Creator and was divinely inspired in his art. This true genius was Divine. And I feel Him when I sit in a symphony surrounded by the acoustics which both embrace and reflect the sounds so beautifully orchestrated. The music and spirit move through me and my own emotions are stirred and released. Music, much like nature, dance together in harmony. I love the changing of the seasons and the bursting of the dogwoods for a time and the blossoming of wisteria, sometimes it is the honeysuckles, and at other times the roses. Like strings, horns and percussion in a symphony, they each have their time to shine and grace us with their tremendous beauty, then they step back and support while another demonstrates their gifts which we all may enjoy when we take time to be present and to receive His presence.

I am so grateful for the gift of nature and the gift of music and so many other blessings that surround us each day. I look forward to enjoying these precious records from my grandfather. I will think of him when I listen to them and share them with my family and I know that He brought these gifts to my grandfather, to Beethoven, to me and to all of us.

Photo: Davidson, North Carolina