Teaching 5th and 6th graders first class of the day is sometimes a challenge. They come in full of life and very full of voice! It is art class granted, not your typical warm up exercises to get ready for an academic class, but it is still a class. This day was like most other days, kids came in still using their playground voices, aka, as loud as possible.

We were working on sketching their pet so I got them started as soon as possible but the loud talking continued. I decided to put some music on to hopefully calm down the chatter. I chose some praise music that was a bit on the mellow side.

The first song on the playlist was, “Ten Thousand Reasons”. Then the most amazing thing happened. The talking stopped and I do mean all, and all 20 of my students started singing along.

Honestly, I was startled at first but I didn’t say a word as I thought they might stop, so I simply listened. I did, however, whisper, “Lord, are You hearing this? Are You just loving this precious praise coming up to You?” I knew Jesus was happy.

After the third straight song of them singing all the while sketching, some of the kids sitting closest to me noticed the tears in my eyes and I couldn’t stay silent any longer.

“You just blessed me more than you all can imagine! And I want you to know something. I know Jesus, I mean I know Him personally and I think I can say for sure that you all just made Him so happy. I think He is up there in heaven with a big ‘ol smile on His face because of your singing!” There were a few surprised faces in the group but most had the look of sweet content.

Sometimes in my crazy, loud days, I just have to stop the chatter, stop the loud talking and start praising the Lord. I need to refocus my attention on what is important and the calm of Jesus will come over me and all is well. Maybe it’s the same with you. Turn on some music and let the praise begin!

Psalm 105:2. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.

Psalm 95:1. Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.