For One Another

Are we not formed, as notes of music are,
For one another, though dissimilar?

Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822)

A choir… An instrumental ensemble… A duet… A soloist and an accompanist… Making music—together. What a joy it is!

Humans are made for each other, made by our Creator to live in community. Formed, as notes of music are, for one another, though dissimilar, as Shelley wrote.

What if we were all the same? We might agree more, instead of arguing all the time about issues large and small. That may sound nice—but like a one-note song, we would miss out on all the glorious harmony that we can only make together.

Singing or playing instruments together is rewarding and fun—and spiritual. It takes us out of ourselves, into a bigger world where we listen to and care for each other. It’s a great learning experience for children and youth, and a beautiful reminder for adults of what we can accomplish—together.