Close to You

I drove anywhere from three to five hours during weekdays when my sons were still in school, the longest stretch being from Cheviot Hills in the Westside for tennis practices to the San Fernando foothills where our family lives.

I devised various ways to make my drive enjoyable. I prayed the rosary and listened to inspirational talks. In between, I played a selection of '70s and '80s music from The Carpenters, the Beatles, Diana Ross, and many other great artists.

I had been listening to The Carpenters' "Close to You" for many years when one day, the song touched my heart in a way that was new, refreshing, and inspiring. There was overflowing joy inside me. Jesus is the one I wanted to be close to! It was as if I were singing the song to Jesus!

A dear friend, Fr. Nic Lalog, often mentions in his blog post popular songs that remind him of Jesus and his love for us.

There is something about songs that touches the heart and permeates one's being to the core. That is probably why people say that singing is praying twice.

Maybe one of these days, you'll see your favorite pop song transform into one that will make your heart sing to Jesus. And when that happens, do please share!

My name's Anna Maria, and I publish a new video on YouTube's Touched by Grace Today and a new post on my blog touchedbygrace.today every Friday! Check out Catholicmom.com for my other articles! If you've been #tbgtoday, feel free to share your story of grace here.

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