Chapter 13 - Let My Life Be Music

Overview of Chapter 13: Let My Life Be Music

This chapter narrates the influence of music across generations in the author’s family, reflecting on ancestral sacrifices, spiritual growth, and the adversities faced in life, emphasizing the importance of guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Ancestral Legacy of Music

  • The author recalls weathered volumes of classical and popular music found in their grandmother's trunk.

  • Significance of the Music Books:

    • Symbol of dreams for something refined and important despite poverty.

    • Originated from the author’s great-grandmother, who left a legacy of musical importance to future generations.

  • Reflection on the pioneer spirit in the author's ancestry:

    • Great-grandmother's dreams remained unfulfilled but influenced her descendants.

    • The narrative emphasizes the sacrifices made by ancestors to keep their covenants and the blessings that followed.

Grandma Duella Hamblin's Musical Journey

  • Early Life:

    • Grew up in Bridger Valley, Wyoming; self-taught pianist.

    • Sang at church events.

  • Musical Education in Salt Lake City:

    • Studied under a prominent music professor.

    • Sang with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

  • Marriage and Service:

    • Married Marcine Hamblin, moved to Murray, Utah.

    • Served as organist and accompanist for over sixty years within her ward.

    • Organized and led choirs for various events, enriching the community's lives with music.

The Central Role of Music in Family Life

  • Family Contributions to Music:

    • Grandparents' home filled with music; their first furniture was a piano bought with prize money from sports.

  • Grandpa's Role:

    • Although not musically gifted, he created an atmosphere of joy through music.

  • Grandma's Motto:

    • “Let my life be music” reflected her devotion to music and its importance in family life.

Influence on the Next Generation

  • Mother's Musical Journey:

    • Mother learned to play an old cornet, later excelled in trumpet, earning first chair in All State High School Band.

    • Continued to play music throughout her life, even into her 90s.

  • Family Investments in Music Education:

    • Parents provided lessons for all ten children, making substantial sacrifices for music lessons.

    • The author's reflections on the effort and costs that went into their musical education—didn't realize it as a child, but became more aware as an adult.

  • Author's Family's Musical Legacy:

    • As parents, the author and spouse encouraged their children in music, upgrading to a grand piano and having multiple pianos to foster their children's development.

    • Children practiced extensively, leading to increased discipline and talents without financial burdens post-education.

Life Lessons Through Music

  • Acquired skills included:

    • Personal responsibility for preparation.

    • Self-discipline and honesty.

    • Problem-solving skills.

    • Understanding of competition—winning and losing—leading to sportsmanship.

  • The practice became a family bonding experience, reinforced by the presence of grandparents' portraits as a reminder of their sacrifices.

Spiritual Connections and Life Principles

  • Connection to Spiritual Growth:

    • Music serves as a metaphor for personal development and spiritual growth.

    • Sacrifice is linked to receiving blessings, advocating the principle taught in scripture about tribulations leading to glory.

  • Strategies against Adversity:

    • Devil's Tactics:

    • Stirring up Anger:

      • Discontentment against good things (referenced from 2 Nephi 28).

    • Apathy:

      • The feeling of indifference towards personal improvement and societal contributions.

    • Entitlement:

      • Believing oneself deserves without effort, contrasting with Christ’s teachings of developing talents.

  • Response to Adversarial Influences:

    • The need for constant effort to engage in faith, hope, and sacrifice to resist adversarial tactics.

Importance of Companionship with the Spirit

  • Holy Ghost as Guide:

    • The necessity of maintaining a relationship with the Holy Ghost for guidance.

    • Emphasizes the importance of prayer in nurturing this relationship.

  • Scripture Study:

    • A commitment to daily scripture study enhances spiritual wellbeing, providing comfort and enlightenment.

  • Prayer as a Lifeline:

    • Description of prayer as essential, stating it should become a core part of one's existence.

Concluding Thoughts

  • Reflecting on the legacy of music in the author’s family illustrates the profound impact of sacrifice and spiritual commitment.

  • The promises of blessings following tribulations reinforce resilience and hope.

  • Final Message:

    • Continuous effort, faithfulness in music and life, leads to fulfillment and blessings both spiritually and in familial relationships.

  • Reminder of Grandma's Motto:

    • “Let my life be music” remains a guiding principle in cultivating a life filled with purpose, joy, and sacrifice.