Eden

You know those moments in life when you realize you have become your parents?  Yeah, totally had one of those the other day.

I decided to buy a new music album off of iTunes to help me tackle a very large cleaning/organization project.  After it downloaded, I stopped to think about how my music interests have changed over the years.  In high school, if you even mentioned the word "pop" around me, I would have walked away.  But as time has gone by, my interests have gone from hard-rock/punk to alternative to pop... to instrumental.  And the funny thing is, this is exactly the kind of music my parents listed to when I was younger!  I grew up with a lot of Yanni, Kenny G., Jim Brickman, and Donny Osmond playing in the house.

In a psychology class I took years ago, I heard that as people age, they actually revert into what they experienced as a child when it comes to personal tastes, etc.  Boy is it ever true in my case!

Anyway, one of my favorite artists is Piano Guys.  They are phenomenal and made listening to piano music fun again (not to mention how David Hodges has influenced me in my choice of music as well).  As I listen to their stuff on Pandora, Paul Cardall kept coming up, and I really started to like his piano music.  So I purchased one of his CDs this last week: Living For Eden.

Within twenty seconds of the first song, I knew I was in love.

It hasn't changed after hearing the entire album.

I looked at the CD artwork and found this on the back:

"Music is a means to an end for me.  It's a gift that allows me to share emotions that reflect my life's philosophy.  Johann Sebastian Bach said, 'The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.'

Life is full of surprises.  There are ups and downs, happiness and pain.  But, through it all there exists in my heart the comforting assurance that faith in a loving God and loyalty to family creates a Garden of Eden, or refuge, in our lives.  I've learned that long-term happiness does not come from any accolades, money, or advancement in society but by putting our whole heart into love, sacrifice, and service to those in our home, extended family, and community.

This album [Living For Eden] is a celebration of my 35 years.  I love life.  I am reminded every day through my experiences of the gift of life.  However, I think of the millions of people suffering in the world.  Pain and loss is all around us.  Poverty, disease, war, the list goes on.  It's overwhelming and devastating.  My heart turns to these people.  I believe we should trust in the message of Jesus who more than 2000 years ago taught us how to live and love all people.

We should focus all our priorities in actively building homes with love and also extend that love to our communities.  And then, maybe, this world once again will become a peaceful place like the Garden of Eden."

- Paul Cardall

I want to add my testimony to his about how our priorities need to be within the home.  It is in this sacred place that we learn the basic values and morals to function in life.  This is where we should feel safe and be able to escape the concerns of the world.  I have been blessed to live in such a home.  Though it is not the Garden of Eden, it is my Eden.  I am proud to call it Home.

What will your Eden be like?