Rediscovering Joy Through Music
I have always loved music. It seems there is a theme song for different parts of my life. I hear a song, and I instantly am flooded with memories from that time in my life. And I LOVE live music. I just feel so happy and free when I'm listening to live music. We were at a concert this week that I had been so excited to enjoy since I learned earlier this summer that the artist was coming to Austin. Cora can begrudgingly attest to the fact that I have been listening to Jervis Campbell in my car non-stop since June.
His music is just what I needed in this chaotic season of our lives. Our home renovation and various life changes have been making for an extended season of stress, uncertainty, and chaos. We've been planning this home remodel since our ceiling collapsed in our living room in the Texas Snomageddon storm of February 2021. In June of 2023, we finally started renovations and we moved into our camper. Every single day, I find myself in search of something that I've misplaced. I also trip over a dog, most likely step in dog poop, and more often than not swear loudly when something goes wrong. It's just been a long summer with a lot of stress. Wow, how did I get off the topic of music?
Jervis Campbell
the soundtrack of my summer
As I navigate the chaos of camper living and the daily struggles of our ongoing home renovation, there's one constant source of solace that has been with me since June—Jervis Campbell's music. His soulful tunes have become the backdrop to the ups and downs of this tumultuous season.
In the midst of misplacing tools, navigating cramped living spaces, and the inevitable canine chaos, Jervis Campbell's melodies have served as a grounding force. It's almost as if his songs have become the soundtrack to my resilience. The rhythmic strumming of the guitar and the heartfelt lyrics offer a momentary escape from the stresses of construction and the search for lost items.
There's something magical about the way music can transform a challenging moment into a bearable one. Jervis Campbell's music, in particular, has been my refuge. From the soulful ballads that echo through the camper to the upbeat tunes that accompany my attempts to clean up yet another accidental dog poop in the camper, each note carries me away, if only for a few minutes.
This week, as Matt and I reveled in the long-awaited concert, it felt like a collective exhale—a release from the tension that has gripped our lives for so many months. Surrounded by fellow fans and prayerful songs to our Creator, the stress of the home renovation momentarily faded away. The live performance brought Jervis Campbell's lyrics to life, creating an experience that resonated deeply with the struggles and triumphs of this season.
To capture the essence of this week's theme, I've curated a Spotify playlist that mirrors the emotions and moods that Jervis Campbell's music has brought into my life during this chaotic time. Each track has been carefully selected to reflect the ups and downs, the challenges, and the moments of joy that have been woven into the soundtrack of my summer.
Check out my Fall on You playlist here on Spotify.
The songs in this week’s playlist range from the melancholic yet hopeful, Fall on You, by Ivan Theva to upbeat worship songs like Praise Him Forever by Jervis Campbell. These songs all have things in common. The first is that all the singers have distinct voices and styles. And second, each of these songwriters point to the theme that our Creator is the one who we should be looking to for solace.
As I continue to find harmony in the midst of chaos, join me in exploring the transformative power of music in the coming weeks. Whether you're facing a renovation, a move, a huge life shift, or simply the day-to-day grind, let's discover together how the right melody can turn even the most stressful moments into a symphony of resilience.
I would love to know what your favorite song is from this week’s playlist. Comment below. Stay tuned for more musical reflections in the next installment of "Harmony in Chaos."
