The power of music

My daughter's first grade class had their program for parents this past week. For the opening song, we listened to over fifty children sing "Proud to be an American", belting it out just as loud as they could. I had tears in my eyes. Music often touches my heart and causes me to become emotional. My favorite music, and that which stirs my heart the most, includes:
- Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing Messiah;
- Forgotten Carols by Michael McClean (most any song on the CD);
- Young Women singing camp songs, especially "Walk Tall, You're a Daughter of God";
- Children singing patriotic songs;
- My sister playing the piano;
- Michael McClean's "The Garden";
- Singing with the priesthood brethren in the ward or during General Conference;
- Singing with the youth during opening exercises on mutual night;
- Just thinking about singing "Called to Serve" in Spanish as a missionary;

I thank my Mother for having had music as a large part of the family growing up. It is a blessing in my life.