Our lives are so full of noise. Some of it white, some of it black, some of it just noise. With the competition for out attention, it can be easy to listen to the wrong cues. We are bound to take a break from what it good and righteous and relax a bit, to listen to what isn't.

Seldom does it sound bad to us in the moments we turn our attention to it. It may even sound like a welcome old friend. One which brings back memories from yesterday. Ones we cherish, or ones that once carried pain but now are softened by time and we look back with fondness rather than true reflection.

Sometimes the din is so loud that we do not hear the timpani of our own minds trying to correct what is obviously ill-fated. In those moments we seem to have lost the volume control... we can't even find the power switch. We listen to words or sounds that stir our ire as if it were a recipe for our favorite homemade cookies. We indulge with no expectation of true fulfillment, but the fleeting hope of a moment of good taste.

Few sounds bring me the joy of one. With it comes the peace of knowing that though the world may be dark around me, there is still hope. It is a noise I am powerless to evoke. One that is foolish to wait for in expectation, but thankfully comes without warning.

It's a sound that was absent for a time. This joyful noise grew violently silent overnight.

It seems to be returning with some promise of being nearer the surface than it once was.

The reprise has begun. It's melody is sweet and it's aroma is reflective of the Master.

It is the precious and joyful sound of laughter from my dear wife in response to one of her children.

Those who know her, know her signature laugh. It draws you in and beckons you to enjoy life. Her laugh in response to her children is the sound of heaven to me. It is somehow different, unabashed. It is singularly unique in its reflection of what is truly important in life.

Though one facet of her laughter has grown temporarily still, it will one day be restored.

Lord, haste the day!

brent