MAY YOU BE WELL

A bittersweet memory returned to me during my walk this morning. Years ago, I was facing days of heartache and uncertainty, days of personal trial in which there were no clear answers or easy solutions. As the rest of my family slept upstairs, I lay awake on the floor of our family room, listening to Christmas music through my headphones.

A young voice began to sweetly and softly sing,

“All is well, all is well,
Angels and men rejoice
For tonight darkness fell
Into the dawn of love’s light…”

The music continued to crescendo until a full chorus rang out, “All is well… lift up your voice and sing.” And I wept with tears of peace, hope, and even a bit of joy. For even as the days were so difficult and our future was uncertain, the song served to remind me that my family and I would not be alone. Love’s Light had come to guide and accompany us through that time–and on through all of life.

As I revisited this memory of long ago, a new thought came to me. The voices singing that glorious chorus were not immune from trials, sadness, grief, or hardship. I am certain they also had endured trying times or difficult seasons, and yet, they could beautifully proclaim, “All is well,” in love, faith, and gratitude. Whatever their life circumstances were, they sang out together, and in doing so, encouraged and comforted me.

I continued to walk on, listening to the next episode of a favorite podcast. In “Musical Meditation: Loving Kindness,” the gracious podcast host shared a simple wish for us:

“May you be well.”

Her words seemed to be another surprising revelation of God’s prompting presence, so I sensed that I was meant to share this message–especially for someone reading here…

May you be well. May you hold to the hope that once-wounded voices will still unite in choruses of peace and joy. May you trust that one day you too, will join in a glorious anthem… you might even be the solitary voice that begins a song of hope for one who languishes in silence. May you always know that Love’s Light is with you, lighting and guiding your way.

May you be blessed today… and may you be well.

The podcast can be found at Artists for Joy, with Merideth Hite Estevez, October 27th, 2023.
The song is from Christmas, by Michael W. Smith (and other sources).
Photo by Karen.