MTC Week #34 - The Gift of Memorizing (and the Blessings)

So it goes without saying that anyone who's involved in a choir goes through the process of memorizing songs. Typically there's a lot of lead time and rehearsals so that when it comes to performance time, you're ready to go! And it's a good feeling, isn't it? You not only know the lyrics, but hopefully they've come to settle somewhere in your heart--they've become a part of you. And when you sing the memorized song, you can sing it with conviction and project to your listeners the true meaning the song is trying to convey.

As I've mentioned before, I'm amazed in this choir how much music we go through and how quickly we have to learn it. I didn't expect anything less going into this experience, but anticipating it and then actually being in the middle of it are two different things.  Fortunately, I THINK memorizing is becoming a little easier for me, though when asked to memorize multiple songs in a short amount of time it is still overwhelming. 

I want to testify though, that the Holy Ghost is a great source of help in this challenge. Not only is he a comforter and one who imparts knowledge and understanding, but he can help speed up the memorizing process and can help you recall what you've practiced. 

As an example, today as I was singing "On a Wonderful Day Like Today" I started to experience some gripping fear, multiple times, that my mind would go blank and I would stand there looking like a mumbling fool. Not only had I just barely taken a stab at memorizing it the day before, but it was a fairly fast-paced song requiring a lot of thinking ahead. However, at those fearful moments, a calm would come and my skills of remembering and thinking ahead were quickened. I attribute that calmness to the Holy Ghost and appreciate his help.

(As a side note, I normally start memorizing a piece much earlier than just the day before but the week leading up to this performance I was on a much needed family vacation)

To end this post, I wanted to include something that a fellow choir member posted as it ties in with the Holy Ghost and the role he has as a comforter. I'll end with that...  Until next time, God be with you.

From Siope Kinikini:  
Prayers and thoughts go out to my childhood friends whose daughter passed away while serving her mission this past week. As well as the two missionaries who passed in Asia. These lyrics really touched me this morning and made me grateful for the Savior and the knowledge that we can return home to our Heavenly Father. In those quiet moments that are to come for these families I pray they feel comfort.