The Arranger

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The Arranger

By S. Kristi Douglas – December 2, 2009

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"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Rom. 8:28, NKJV)

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Life is short.

As I mature, I’ve begun asking God to “teach me to number my days” (Ps. 90:12) and to give me courage to fulfill the remaining dreams on my “bucket list.” These are the things I’d like to accomplish with the time I have remaining -- not that I plan on going anywhere soon.

One of my passions is music. I started playing the organ at church at the age of 7. I sang and wrote songs with a contemporary Christian music group in college. I’ve nurtured my love for music over the years through classes and workshops. But my dream has always been to have one of my original songs recorded by a renowned artist.

Songwriters can’t help but to write. Each song is like a child with a life of its own. And while each is special, some songs have more potential impact than others. Like a parent, when a songwriter identifies that “spark,” he or she must do everything possible to help it reach its destiny.

I recently had the privilege of writing such a song. It took more than a year to complete. But once I finished, I just knew it was special. Although I had grand plans for its completion, I was limited in my musical ability to convey all that I desired for it.

So I hired an arranger.

The role of an arranger is to make sure that every aspect of a music piece is well harmonized, from the instruments down to the tempo. He or she works within the guidelines set by the writer on how a song should be treated. However, the arranger also makes adjustments that will make the piece more effective.

I had prayed that God would help me to select someone with whom I could connect – one who would understand my unique vision for this song. I had poured so much into my “child” and I didn’t want to hand it over to just anyone. I needed to know that it would be treated with the same love and reverence with which it was created. I interviewed several people, but after we spoke and he agreed to pray with me about working together, I knew Darek was the one.

We talked about my inspiration and vision for the song. We agreed on every aspect of the direction. And I knew in my heart that I could trust Darek to do what I asked. I was asking him to give my creation a “makeover,” -- to bring out the underlying beauty without completely reconstructing it.

Shortly after I turned it over to him, Darek sent me his re-creation. He had masterfully taken the simple, basic elements of melody and harmony I had given him and enhanced it with many wonderful, complex sounds. The result was breathtaking. I could not stop listening to it. As a matter of fact, I listened to each and every individual element of the song – cymbals, flutes, strings, percussion - one by one. I wanted to know my song intimately in its new form, and doing so made me feel a deep connection to and appreciation for the arranger that I never anticipated.

Through this process, I’ve come to realize how each of our lives is very much like a song.

1. God is ultimately The Arranger of each of the events of our lives.
I believe that God is in complete control of my life and the events of the world. “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof,” the Bible says (Ps. 24:1). Everything that happens is within His control. Because He created us, He knows us intimately and understands the direction our lives will take, from start to finish.

2. Like individual notes within a musical score, our lives are a series of decisions, relationships, and circumstances and the resulting outcomes of each.
If it were possible to review each and every event or decision throughout our lifetime, we would find some to be pleasant and melodic, while others were discordant and brash. Regardless, in the hands of a skillful Arranger, not a single note is wasted. All can be used to create harmony in the grander composition of life. (“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Rom. 8:28, NKJV)

3. We can trust the knowledge and experience of the Arranger.
Much of our time is spent planning for the future. Sometimes, things don’t turn out the way we anticipated. But when we commit our lives to God and to His plans, He has promised to make something beautiful out of our lives. (“Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.” – Prov. 19:21)

4. Reflecting on the work of The Arranger will create a renewed sense of appreciation for and intimacy with Him.
Take the time to think about the individual blessings God has given you. What special things has He done just for you? Recall those times when you received an unexpected blessing or miracle. Remember when He provided for you and your loved ones. Each day brings about a new reason to rejoice if we’ll just “listen.” (“Remember the wonders He has done…” – Ps. 105:5)

When I decided to work with an arranger, my expectation was simply that I would receive an “improved” song. Instead, I received a blessing far greater than anything I could have ever imagined. How much more does that apply to our lives in the hands of the One who created us and knew us intimately before we were ever born? (“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.” Ps. 139:13)

What plans have you composed for your life? Have you been discouraged by a series of unpleasant notes? Know that The Arranger can take every experience and turn it into a beautiful composition through which He can be glorified in your life. The world will rejoice when it hears God singing through you!

S. Kristi Douglas is preparing to release her debut single, “Daughter of the King,” in January 2010. You can hear a sneak peak exclusively on QCityMetro.com and order an advanced copy by emailing: info@SKristiDouglas.com. Proceeds from the sale of the CD single will benefit Charlotte area homeless women’s shelters.