Advent Adventure

Whistling on our way

I could always tell when my grandfather was coming home from his day at sea as I would hear his distinctive whistle well before he entered my grandmother’s house. Whistling helps eliminate stress: It is said that no matter if you are working overtime, stuck in a traffic jam on your way home, or running errands, whistling clears your mind—stopping you from concentrating on problems and fixing your attention on your favourite tunes. Research also shows it reduces anxiety: improves your mood, boosts lung strength, makes exercising less boring, and keeps your one young-looking.

Matthew 11:16-19 says; “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: “‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”

Certain forms of psychology suggest that one can change our inner view and wellbeing by laying down a sound track in our minds that enables us to reconstruct positive thoughts. The research shows how music engages our emotions, imagination, and intelligence in creative endeavours that promote personal wellbeing and social cohesion. However, it takes some effort on our part and our willingness to transpose the harmony of the mind into a symphony of the soul.

In these days when singing, humming or even whistling is not allowed under the Covid restrictions, it is even more difficult to sing from the heart even though the tune of gospel that can run through our minds. What Jesus offers is a joyous melody that we can sing deep within us if we are willing to join his wonderful hymn of praise.

A prayer

May we learn to whistle to a new tune, Jesus, may we hear what you are playing, and follow in your lead. When you hear our clamour, like children at play — sure that we are right and others are in the wrong: wanting everything to go our way — show us God's way. Help us to recognise others’ rights and our responsibilities, help us to see what we can give up and where we need to get involved. When you see us caught up in self-justifying busyness, turning celebration into a chore, remind us that, in God's wisdom, holy days and holidays are the same thing. Amen