Favorites

We all have favorites, don't we? A favorite food, favorite song, favorite place, favorite book. What about a favorite hymn? If I were to ever continue my education toward my doctorate, that would be something I would investigate more. What makes a hymn or a song someone's favorite? Is it because of the words? The music? The memories associated with it? Lord, take my hand and lead me has always been one of my favorite hymns since my family sang it for my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary. There are memories that I have attached to it. As I continue my journey as a music director, I'm finding that there are many hymns that people would like to sing every Sunday, and hymns that they never want to sing. But it is my responsibility to balance the favorites, the well-knowns and the somewhat knowns and to teach the congregation about worship and teach them new hymns. Think about what your favorite hymn is, then ask yourself why is that one your favorite.