Reason and reality have dimmed. Into the dimness, a song from a long-ago childhood is sung or played. It seems to reach where nothing else can, to spark a recognition, a connection. This scene is played many times each day in nursing homes and at bedsides across our land. It fascinates and intrigues me.
Music has the capacity to connect when other faculties are failing.
The music and songs of childhood are some of the most connectable. And, time after time, those songs are songs of faith. The songs that are sung by and with children can implant themselves for a lifetime. That's not usually what we think about when we select songs for children. We're more concerned with finding a song that the children will enjoy singing, one that will engage their energy and wiggly bodies, will illustrate a Bible story, or relate to a season.