De Colores

9.2.19—De Colores

I’ve spent the day alternating between trying to beat a headache and doing one of the following things: burning old papers in the fire pit, pulling weeds, thinking about this note, preparing a meal, talking with my neighbor, and reading in preparation for the week.

It’s no secret that I often wonder what impact I make as an elementary music teacher. When I’m at my best, I can put my wondering to rest; I know that teachers can literally change the course of their students’ lives. But when I’m at my worst, the nagging doubts become thorns, vines, or weeds (like the ones in this picture) that choke out truth.

In today’s alternation of activities, I have had three things happen that have pulled some mental weeds:

I saw a picture of two of my former students (brothers) playing their French horns. If I remember correctly, my playing the horn had something to do with the reality that both of them now play their horns for their careers in the US Marine Corps.

I spoke with a former student who is now an elementary music teacher and has taught herself to play guitar. She is an excellent teacher.

I read the following passage from the NC Symphony Teacher’s Guide, and I knew, immediately, that the content of this paragraph is one of the things that I want to embody and teach all of my students—whether it’s through this particular song or not.

“’De colores’” is a Spanish folk song that embodies new beginnings, hope, and renewal. The expression means “in colors.” Although there are sad moments in life, there are also moments of joy, love, and many other experiences that are ’the colors’ of our lives. These colors, although unique to each individual, are the fundamental strands that tie us together. In other words, there are many colors but one human experience. The song is often taught in schools as a common Mexican folk song.”

Did you read that friends? Although there are sad moments in life—hard times—difficult circumstances that we may not understand—there are also moments of joy, love, hope, understanding, and new beginnings that are “the colors” of our lives. These colors—these reds and blues and yellows—are unique to each individual, yet they are the fundamental strands that tie us together. In other words, there are many colors but one human experience. There are many parts but one body. We are all in this together.

We are
All
In this
Together.

Music teachers, classroom teachers, administration, school staff, doctors, nurses, lawyers, sanitation workers, custodians, vocational ministers, cashiers, clerks, salespeople, accountants, engineers, technology experts, YouTubers, construction workers, first responders, warehouse workers, politicians, baristas, chefs, factory workers, military personnel, activists, carpenters, homemakers, funeral workers, prayer warriors, writers, musicians, artists…

We are all in this together.

God of work and rest, help me to remember—help us to remember—that we’re all in this together—everyone making a difference in their own unique way. Amen.