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Have you taken the time to listen to musical pieces by famous composers from years ago? Often times I am listening to music from various artist. Take the time to listen to some of the pieces of musical composers in the past. The detail of the melody is so amazing. One favorite that many may be familiar with is Fur Elise by Ludwig van Beethoven. Another favorite that is often heard is Pomp and Circumstance.
Pomp and Circumstance was composed by Sir Edward Elgar in 1901. According to what's noted in history, the piece was originally composed as for a military march, and was then selected to be used at the coronation for King Edward VII. The song was placed in the United States at a Yale graduation since Elgar was receiving an honorary degree. The song began to trickle to many schools since that time and has been unofficially named as the graduation song. The Pomp and Circumstance is used in both high school and college graduations.
The song is usually played as the students enter to take their seats and during their exit at the end of the graduation. Often times, visitors are asked to stand in acknowledgement of the graduates. The rooms or venues are often filled with expressions of love, joy, and a feeling of pride. Students are recognized and applauded for their successful completion. As I began to reflect on Pomp and Circumstance, I thought of the vast majority of students who march to Elgar's beat, a song that was composted over a hundred years ago. The song still is used for marching purposes as originally intended and is used in celebration as it was used for King Edward VII.
Many have marched to the beat of this tune without knowing the history of significance of the song. Let's apply this to our daily lives. How often do we march the beat of someone else's song and flow in the shadow of someone else's words without knowing the foundation or significance. I can apply this scenario to so many things. I thought about people who've made a decision to get married after being urged to do so by someone else. What about the individual who chooses to attend a particular school because it appeases someone else. There's so many decisions that we make in life. Are those decisions made because we want that for our life, or is it a decision made in attempt to please someone else?
Are you marching to someone else's beat/tune for your life? As you self-reflect with that question, consider why you are doing the things that you do in your life. I know what its like to make a decision to please others, however, I know what it is like to make a decision because of something that I wanted. It is wise to seek wisdom and counsel from others when needed. It is smart to learn from the mistakes of others. It is okay to talk about concerns to trusted and close confidants. There are times when we must lean on others for understanding. I'm not insisting that we disregard others and their suggestions for our lives, but I do urge you to make a well informed decision for your life.
Decision that we make have an effect on the paths for our lives. Be prayerful. Be vigilant. Make that right decision that is best for you.