Guest Blogger – Jeff
A couple of weeks ago, I had to “work” from home because Hayden was running a fever for an extended period of time and couldn’t go to school. After taking him to the doctor and getting him antibiotics to fight an infection, I put him in my bed and let him watch cartoons all day while I went to “work” in the living room.
While I “work”, I prefer to listen to music so I tuned in to my favorite rock station 89.7 PowerFM. And just my luck, the first song playing was my favorite song (now my second favorite which will make more sense later). It was “Whatever You’re Doing (Something Heavenly)” by Sanctus Real. And as I listened, I thought, “I should go find the chords and lyrics and learn how to play it.”
SIDE NOTE – links are attached at the bottom if you want to check out the songs and comments I reference at the end
So I quickly went to my favorite guitar tab site and found it. Next I went to YouTube and found the video. I listened to it over and over again while practicing (I am not very musical so it takes me a very long time to put the music and rhythm of playing a guitar together with lyrics).
After a good 20 to 30 minutes, I took a break from the song, and noticed a YouTube link to another Sanctus Real song that I’ve never heard before called “Lead Me.” I clicked on it… I listened… and before the first chorus was over, I found myself struggling to hold back the tears. This song hit home… hard. It was like Matt Hammitt, the lead singer, wrote this song so that it might become my prayer.
After listening (and praying/crying) a few times, I clicked the next YouTube link… it was Matt and Sarah Hammitt talking about their personal story and the meaning behind the song “Lead Me.” And if the song wasn’t already enough to get choked up about, the parallels in their lives to mine and Lisa’s lives made my knees wobbly… sheesh!!! By this time, I am more emotional than a woman 37 weeks into pregnancy. I won’t give any names, but I saw this pregnant lady one time sitting on the couch with Sponge Bob playing on the TV in the background break into tears and laughter at the same time for no reason… but I digress.
I couldn’t wait for Lisa to get home. I forced her to sit down and listen to the song. I prefaced it by telling her the song has become my prayer. But I still kept my expectations low for a reaction (if you know anything about Lisa, you know that she is completely indifferent to music… she seriously has no desire to listen to music EVER… I am not exaggerating… even if you tell her to listen to the words, something in her brain physically prevents her from doing it… if you ask her to sing the first song that comes to her head, she’ll sing “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas"). But this time, she was speechless… and both of our eyes were filled with tears. I played the other clip too… she cried some more and all she said was, “Will you learn that song for me?”
So I did… enjoy (if you have an auto-tuner, now is the time to hold it up to your speakers).
I dedicate this to my wife, Lisa and sons, Hayden, Davis, and Blake. I pray that I’ll be the Husband and Father that God has called me to be in your lives. Love - Jeff
Now if you want to see what it is really suppossed to sound like, you can click the links below:
“Whatever You're Doing (Something Heavenly)”
“Lead Me”
Story Behind “Lead Me”
9 comments:
That is so sweet.The song really did bring a tear to the eye. Jeff you are a wonderful husband and father, and an awesome spiritual leader for Lisa and the boys. Mike and I could not have asked for anyone better to give our daughter to and to father our grandchildren. We love you.
Laney and Mike
at the risk of sounding like one of those mushy-gushy couples on facebook that professes their love via status updates using first middle and last name, i just want to say awwww - how sweet.
also, a few things to note:
1) no, we are not having marriage problems. it's the other similarities between our lives and it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to spend QUALITY time with the other person.
2) the guitar from when he was 12. after this song, i think he is deserving of Santa bringing him a new one. now i just have to figure out how to buy a guitar.
3) the hoodie - sometimes he lets me wear it. :)
4) i didn't sign up for this...when i married him 11 years ago, I had no idea he could sing and play the guitar. how lucky!
5) i don't recall crying in a spongebob episode, but then again my pregnant brain has done crazier things.
6) hayden was sick with a fever at the beginning of october, which means jeff learned that whole song in two weeks. impressive. maybe i will sing him "it's beginng to look a lot like christmas" to repay the favor.
love you jeff! you're the BEST-EST!!
Precious...really. If you need help, Anthony is VERY good at buying guitars; he has 10. I'm proud of Jeff for his stand to be a Godly husband.
Jeff, you have always made us proud. You were a great son and you've become a great husband and father. Just continue to look to God for the answers in life and His plan for you and your family. We love you so much.
Love, Mom
Plus, I got a great ROI on that guitar purchase 20 years ago.
Wow - what a great blog...and song! The lyrics really hit home for me right now!
Your family is an inspiration for me.
God has given you strength beyond all your years of experience. He will guide you forever and ever.
Love Dad
You are awesome Jeff. I wish I could clone you!
wow...great blog. i mean i wish i had a guy that could talk and sing to me like this...or at the very least, i might even settle for one that offered to let me wear his hoodie...if only i had an offer like that! ;)
I have the best brother ever and he married an awesome lady - my sister in law Lisa - together they are raising two precious boys and soon a third. JJ and Lisa you are both very loved by your whole family and make us all proud :) I love you!!!
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