A few Saturdays ago, six cousins loaded a boat on Lake Blue Ridge. Five of us were over fifty, and one was from the generation below. We also had in tow two children under the age of 8. It was a gorgeous sunny day. We started off just relaxing, snacking, chatting, and enjoying the view. But suddenly a song that we all knew came on and the singing began. It just happened. No one planned it; no one said, “Let’s sing.”

When our hearts are happy, singing just transpires. It comes flowing out. Belle, from the younger generation, at our request, became our photographer and DJ. As our requests were made, she often commented, “I don’t know this”. It was a schizophrenic range of music — but we all knew them.

We began requesting music from our childhood, such as Grandma’s Feather Bed, and John’s Been Shucking My Corn, (yep, that is a real song). I am sure fellow boaters on the lake were surprised as they passed by and heard us yelling, “Don’t look, Ethel” as we sang, The Streak with Ray Stevens.

Dance Party

When disco was requested, we could sit no more. Dancing began. Some danced to the Hustle or the Electric Slide; other sisters twirled until they were dizzy and fell. Of course, songs from Grease were a must as we hand-jived. We all danced to We are Family and YMCA. Laughter rang from the deck.

Belle was teaching line dancing to the tune of Boot Scootin Boogie. At times, there were air guitars and air fiddles. Karla and I even attempted a little flossing (not with dental floss).

Eventually the music came to what brings us joy, God. Yes, we were cruising along, standing on the deck together singing and clapping to “ I Saw the Light”. I am sure people sailing by were amused at what looked like a hoe down, but our actions were not surprising from our family.

Joy

When dusk was near, our captain, the matriarch of our generation, brought the ship to a stop. We faced the mountains and the setting sun. We all watched in awe as the sun slowly disappeared behind the hills while I’ll Fly Away played. It was magical.

We sang because we were full of joy and love. I love music; I love to sing to it, dance to it, and listen to it. 

Zephaniah 3:17 reads, “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” It is not a verse I have been familiar with in the past. But one day when I read it, it was mind blowing to me. I never really thought about God singing. But not only does he sing, but he sings over us. The word sing in Hebrew means “a ringing cry with a sense of joy”. 

Our God loves us that much!

(We do not own the rights to this music.)