"We are able to feel and learn very quickly through music, through art, through poetry some spiritual things that we would otherwise learn very slowly."
--Boyd K. Packer

Art credit: A Summer's Day by Charles Baugniet

"Is man's life, the mere living! How fit to employ
All the heart and soul and the senses forever in joy."
--Robert Browning

Art credit: Summer and Playing Children by Nikolai Astrup

I was talking with a daughter about today's Take 5 - singing. And I made a comment in it that if a teenager is unwilling to sing, it may be a sign of a heart hardening.

My daughter said that sounded pretty harsh. And as she explained her reasons, I agree with her. I don't want to give the impression that if a child isn't singing, I think he or she has a hard heart!!

I think a better word I might have used is protected--to me, singing is an outward expression of emotion. And when a heart is hurting or confused, it may be unwilling to express itself in that way. It can be a symptom of something else.

But there can be other reasons. Maybe embarrassment or awkwardness or if they're not used to singing, maybe it doesn't feel natural. Whatever reason, helping a child use his or her voice is a very important part of heart education.

What are your thoughts on why some people are unwilling to sing?

Art credit: The Music Man by Norman Rockwell

As you gear up for the new school year, remember: 

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:)

You can do this!

Art credit: Returning Home After a Day's Work by Carl von Bergen