There are many changes in our lives.  Some are related to our situation, from childhood to old age.  Ready or not, they appear again and again to challenge our perception of who we are.

Music has been an important part of my life since childhood.  My mother and I sang all the time.  Even while cleaning the house we would sing and she taught me harmony.  When I was in school, I took every opportunity to sing.  Singing in school was the first time I sang outside of our house.  Then, when I was old enough to be in the choir, singing in church became my favorite place to sing.

As time went on, I sang in choirs, became a cantor and played parts in musicals. I began to compose songs and performed with bands as well.

Throughout my musical journey, my role as cantor has been a regular part of my life.  It has nurtured my mind and soul for a very long time.  Every week, I would plan the liturgy and lead congregations in song.  

Recently, there have been changes and I am not a cantor anymore.  This has been a big challenge for me.  Still, I sing in the choir at my church and have the opportunity to share my God-given talents there.  But as I age, it becomes more difficult to adjust to the changes in many different areas of my life.  This is just one of many new challenges that all of us must face as we grow older.

But I must remember that gratitude is a saving grace in almost every difficult situation.  And that is what I must keep foremost in my mind everyday.  Being grateful is the best way to be in almost any situation, even if it is a catastrophic occurrence.  That is because there is always something to be grateful for, every single day.  Even when it may seem impossible to find it, looking for it and believing it will be found can make us able to accept each challenge we face.  And that is a very good thing indeed.