A Wise Lesson from Grandpa

I have a 30+ year-old Martin guitar.  It is in "mint" condition.  She belonged to my grandpa, Jesse.  What a beauty!  I just began learning to play in recent weeks.  I have quite a few lessons to go before really strumming those strings the way it deserves.  But, I am well on my way. 

I think about Grandpa every time I play.  Yesterday was no different.  As I was practicing, I remembered a story he told me.  Grandpa owned a restaurant.  Many years ago, the restaurant was open Thursday through Sunday.  He often missed church, but he had a pastor and church that he stayed accountable to.  One Sunday after church services, a preacher came in to eat.  He said to Grandpa, "Mr. Dean, don't you know it's a sin to work on Sunday?  The Bible says to 'remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.'"  In his wisdom, Grandpa responded, "Preacher, which sin is greater:  working on Sunday or the fact that you are in here eating in my restaurant on Sunday?"  Grandpa said that preacher never said another word.

I have been told on more than one occasion that my singing Country music does not glorify God.  I have struggled many years over that.  But, Country music is where I am most comfortable.  I am not a drinker or a cheater, so I am not inspired to write songs about such things.  But, I am a simple country girl that loves God, my family, church and friends.  Those are the things and people that inspire me.  To me, Country music is just real life.  My life.

I was discussing this topic with someone the other day and asked their godly opinion on the matter.  Her response was this:  "Which sin is greater:  singing country music or listening to [Katy Perry or any other secular artist] before and after Sunday services?"  Wow!  The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.   

Being a Christian and a singer does not mean I have to sing only "Christian" music.  The fact is I AM A CHRISTIAN who just happens to sing Country music.  As long as I keep my heart pure, that is what counts in anything and everything I do in life.