I love the relationship that anyone has with music
… because there’s something in us that is beyond the reach of words,
something that eludes and defies our best attempts to spit it out. …
It’s the best part of us probably …”
– Nick Hornby
I was in the common room, setting up my equipment when I heard a guitar being strummed gently in the other room. As a music lover and a guitar enthusiast myself, I’m usually quick at dropping whatever I’m doing everytime I hear someone playing the guitar. Either to see what kind of guitar they play or start a conversation to see if we both listen to the same artists. It was no surprise to me when I peeked over and saw that it was Jeffrey, singing a tune to which I am not familiar with. “Nice song. What is it called?” I asked. Jeffrey, without missing a strum replied. “Love Never Fails by Brandon Heath. I am actually going to sing this when Shiela walks down the aisle.” Sweet. Jeffrey continued to rehearse the song that he would use to serenade the love of his life, and I listened. Because it instantly brought back memories of my own wedding. Not because of that particular song, but how music has connected me and my wife and that somehow music did the same for another couple.
Later on that day, with the sun slowly inching its way toward the horizon, Shiela, escorted by her two brothers, started walking down the aisle. A light breeze would come in, and her veil would flutter along. And from the distance I started to hear that familiar guitar melody being played again. Notes played to perfection by Jeffrey. I looked back and there he was, standing with guitar in hand in front of the altar. Singing and performing with a panache that reeled Shiela in from the get-go. He did what he set out to do. Serenade his would be queen while professing his love to the whole world with a song. A song that was meant for only one person. It was sweet. It was perfect. It was a moment that was unforgettable. And for Shiela, I am sure that she will never hear that song in the same way ever again.
LOVE NEVER FAILS
Love is not proud, love does not boast
Love after all, matters the most
Love does not run, love does not hide
Love does not keep, locked inside
Love is the river that flows through
Love never fails you
Love will sustain, love will provide
Love will not cease, at the end of time
Love will protect, love always hopes
Love still believes, when you don’t
Love is the arms that are holding you
Love never fails you
When my heart won’t make a sound
When I can’t turn back around
When the sky is falling down
Nothing is greater than this
Greater than this
Love is right here, love is alive
Love is the way, the truth the life
Love is the river than flows through
Love is the arms that are holding you
Love is the place you will fly to
Love never fails you.
