On Sunday I sang a song in church for special music. It was supposed to be a surprise for Gary. I was going to have our daughters Erin and Allison sing with me in beautiful harmony.
Well, sometimes things don't go quite the way you've planned. Erin couldn't make it home because of the weather and Allison wasn't feeling well so she couldn't practice with me. I couldn't figure out how to get my guitar over to church and put it somewhere without Gary seeing it, so I finally told him that I was doing special music early Sunday morning.
He was surprised by the song, however. "It Is Well With My Soul" is his favorite hymn and I wrote some new words to it and "Good Christian Men, Rejoice." It turned out pretty well so I want to share it with you here:
“It Is Well” Christmas Stress Song (by Robyn Mulder)
When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well with my soul.”
It is well (it is well), with my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul.
(to the tune of “Good Christian Men, Rejoice)
Christmas is almost here
We tremble with great fear
Cards aren’t mailed and gifts aren’t wrapped
I think I’ll have a heart attack
Have to make that great big meal
And stress and strain are all I feel
I can hardly say… I
can hardly say…
It is well, it is well with my soul.
I have to change my attitude
Change it to one of gratitude
Set aside the things undone
And focus on the only one
Jesus Christ the newborn king
Is more than all these other things
I can almost say… I
can almost say…
It is well, it is well with my soul.
I think my Christmas joy will start
I feel a peace within my heart
Gifts and food are good to give
But this is how we really live
Giving thanks for everything
Now my heart can truly sing
Christ is born today…
Christ is born today…
(to the tune of “It is Well with my Soul”)
When Christmas is coming and my stress level climbs
Let this be the thought that controls
The babe in the manger was born for these times
And his life was lived here for our souls
It is well (it is well), with my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Gary liked the song, but what made it even more worthwhile was the reaction I got from a friend right after the worship service. She rushed up as I was putting my guitar away and gave me a great big hug and told me how much the song meant to her. She was feeling bad about not getting as much done for the holidays this year but the song helped her put things back in perspective.
I wrote the song, but I need to keep reminding myself to keep my focus on the right things and not get all stressed about everything I'd like to get done during this season. I pray that all of you enjoy this season, too, and keep your focus on Jesus - today and every day of the year!
