It’s that time of year again. On any Wednesday night, I can faintly hear the sound of the marching band as they practice. It brings back fond memories of those years our daughter was on the football field playing and marching.
It’s been quite a few years since those marching days, but the comforting sound brought me several thoughts recently:
- The years bring growth and change. We have since moved on as the years brought growth. Even during the four years of participation, the band often changed in size and formation. Our lives have gone through change as well with the addition of new family members and the passing of others.
- Families are made up of individuals. Each relative contributes to our family, bringing a uniqueness all their own. Each one is needed to do their part and none can be replaced.
- Our family journeys together. We travel through our days and years with ups and downs, joys and tears. And in the end, it is all worth every single moment.
My Bible dictionary defines ‘march’ as “to move along steadily usually with a rhythmic stride and in step with others in order to advance or proceed.”
Lately I have been reminded of another marching band …
When God’s people came up against the city of Jericho, God explained His fighting strategy:
“I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors. You and your fighting men should march around the town once a day for six days. Seven priests will walk ahead of the Ark, each carrying a rams’ horn. On the seventh day you are to march around the town seven times, with the priests blowing the horns. When you hear the priests give one long blast on the rams’ horns, have all the people shout as loud as they can. Then the walls of the town will collapse, and the people can charge straight into the town.”
(Joshua 6:2-5, NLT)
Marching together we may just get to witness the walls come tumbling down.
Marching together we will always be stronger than when we march alone.
Today I am joining … #RaRaLInkup and TrekkingThru the Week and Teaching What Is Good .
I love that you tie in the march around Jericho. I am not a marching band person or family, so I often wonder what that must have looked like as they marched around. I’m not sure why I never made the connection before, but this is a great picture for my mind! I was at our church last week and they back up to the field where the local high school band practices. When we arrived, the band members must have been warming up. It was great to come out about an hour later and all those individual warm-up sounds had turned into some great music as they worked together, after each one got their individual instrument ready. Great food for thought today! I’m stopping by from Teaching What is Good – Thank you!
Rebekah, it is amazing how it all comes together to make something beautiful. During those years of practice, the different instruments would break down and separate to different parts of the field to practice their parts. There was nothing harmonious in the sound at that point 🙂 But when they all came together, it made all the difference.
I’ve only been involved in marching band more recently as an adult. I had no idea what I was getting myself into but it’s been a lot of fun and I’ve definitely learned a lot about team work. I love the link you make with Joshua’s story and I agree, as we march for God we need to keep that same unity and work for a common purpose.
We loved the years we were band parents 🙂 The importance of unity and purpose were learned by many of us in those years. May you enjoy the season!
We’re in a re-gathering phase in my home church, and I’m so grateful for the evidence I see that your words are true. We need each other, and we need to walk in step with the Spirit, the music of our hearts. This is so different from the lock-step of legalism.
So very true, Michele! I love how you put it > “We need each other, and we need to walk in step with the Spirit, the music of our hearts.” The best means by which we all grow! xo
Our daughter was in marching band. What an experience! I love the lessons you shared; so true.
I love that us band parents can all relate to this. We all have experiences which grow us even as we attend and participate in the activities of our children.
I have good memories of marching band. I was the line leader on the football field and in the front row every parade. God used those experiences to shape me as a leader, even though I was shy as a teen. Marching band increased my confidence and drew me out of my shell. Thanks for reminding me of those days!
Sarah, I love that you shared how God grew you through those days in marching band. Don’t you just love how He sees what we will become and the molding process starts from when we are young. So glad you shared!
Love this, Joanne. My youngest has been commenting about her “lasts” with this year of marching. Beautiful parallel.
Dianne, it is bittersweet for sure when those “lasts” are before us. May it be a year of blessing for you all!
It’s great to be here today. I have learned over and over that we are stronger together. Your reference to Jericho ties the idea of marching together very well.
I have been in the process of moving and found out that trying to do it on my own because I don’t like to ask for help doesn’t work very well. When I humbly ask for help, I am much more successful. You can’t have a band without members and you can’t have a family without people. Good to see you!
Mary, it is so true that it can be hard to accept help. And yet, it is as we help one another that we forge bonds that cannot be broken. May God bless your move! And it was great to have you here!
Joanne, when I read your title, I smiled. 🙂 My oldest is in his first year of marching band, and the experience has been good for him. He is making friends and learning how to play his part in the band.
I like how you equated a marching band with family. It’s true. Each member is valued. Each adds to the good of the unit. And families and bands thrive when we journey together.
Great post today!
How wonderful that your son is enjoying his first experience with marching band. There will be many great lessons for him ahead. Thank you for encouraging me!
I really like this image and your words changed my view of marching bands. Thanks for the encouragement!
Thanks, Kristin!