Introspection Triggered by Music

“Another Day in Paradise” hit radio stations in 1989. Those of a certain age can hum the tune immediately at the mention of the title as the lyrics surface. I heard the Phil Collins masterpiece on 99.1 KQJN-LP last week. As I sang along, the words startled me as though I were hearing them for the first time.

It’s about homelessness - a realization I somehow sailed right over. I’ve read innumerable accounts over the years of individuals and families who found themselves in that unimaginable situation despite efforts to avoid it, teens managing to complete high school anyway, folks struggling to keep families intact and safe when life threw unfixable events their ways.

I pine for normalcy post-pandemic that does not encompass staying alive while praying for a roof to call my own and a job to pay my way. As the melody played and I sang the words, the tune became haunting, the words a bit sarcastic. My mind raced around the facts I know and through the ‘buts and what-ifs’ that might justify the problem and excuse my ignorance and indifference. Not having a simple thing like an address can complicate the hope of normalcy way beyond wanting to go to a movie or dine in a favorite eatery.

Going down a sad rabbit hole doesn’t make me feel better or solve any problems, though. Fixing societal failures is beyond my realm of power so worry over them is wasted energy. Instead, educating myself on contributions I can make here and celebrating where I am in my own life does make me feel better. I can support those whose mission is to help those hurting from hitting the proverbial brick walls.

Not gonna give up my sing-alongs with the golden oldies EVER, but I AM gonna turn back the over-thinking dial. I can enjoy the tunes AND support and encourage how and where God leads ME