Walking along the bank of the lake, I pondered on a few issues that bothered my life and family. I was actually on a retreat. I needed a location that its serenity would heal the noises in my heart. My expectations were not cut-off. It was then I discovered that we could find the solution to some life challenges not by dialogue, but by finding a place where music fades...
You would agree with me that life often feels like a symphony. Each day brings a unique blend of melodies—some soothing, others chaotic. We live for the highs, the crescendos of success, joy, and love, and we brace ourselves for the lows, the somber notes of loss and disappointment. But what happens when the music fades? What remains when the applause dies, the instruments are silent, and the stage lights dim?
This content is not about music, but we will also agree that music, like life, is beautiful because it is fleeting. A song ends, a concert concludes, and the audience disperses. These moments of silence can feel empty, almost unsettling, especially if we have tied our identity to the music we have played or enjoyed. For the musician, this could mean stepping away from the stage; for the athlete, it is the whistle signaling the end of the game. For others, it could be the end of a season, may be a job, a relationship, or even the loss of a loved one.
When these melodies fade, we are often left to confront the silence. We ask ourselves, “What now? Who am I without this music?” I think this is where we find purpose., the true voice that sparks from within without external influences.
We can truly find purpose in silence. The silence isn’t the enemy. It’s an invitation to reflect, recalibrate, and rediscover. It affords us of the moment to reflect on our actions, reactions and inactions. Here, there are no applauses, no cheerleaders...
When the applause fades, we realize life isn’t about how loud or long the applause is, iti is about the legacy we leave behind. It is about the lives we touch, the values we uphold, and the quiet contributions we make that no one sees.
My retreat afforded me some cool moment to rest from my worries. it saved the day. There is true beauty in rest. Just like in music, the pauses between notes are just as important as the notes themselves. Silence gives music its rhythm and meaning. Similarly, in life, rest is essential. When the music fades, it’s often a call to rest, to breathe, and to prepare for the next movement.
many times, we’ve anchored our identity solely in our work, talents, or relationships, thus, making the silence to feel like an existential crisis. But it is also an opportunity to rediscover who we are at our core—beyond titles, achievements, or external validation.
Know that just because one song ends doesn’t mean the music is over. It may be time to write a new song, to embrace a new season, or to pick up a different instrument. Life is a series of compositions, each with its unique rhythm and melody.
Within those pauses, lean into the stillness. Pray, reflect, journal, or seek counsel. Often, the most profound revelations come not in the noise but in the quiet.
Agree with me that life is beyond the stage. When the music fades, it is not the end of the story, it’s the beginning of a deeper journey. It is a call to find meaning, purpose, and identity that is not dependent on the noise of life.
Thank you for reading, I hope you learnt.
All images are mine. The phrase “when the music fades” originates from the song The Heart of Worship by Matt Redman.
