"Certain songs can only be learned in the valley. No music school can teach them, for no theory can cause them to be perfectly sung...in heaven there will be a song...a hymn of victory to the Christ who set us free. Yet the sense of triumph and freedom will be born from the memory of your past bondage...Dear soul, in this life you are receiving a music lesson from your Father. You are being trained to sing in a choir you cannot yet see, and there will be parts in the chorus that only you can sing...
In the darkest night He is composing your song. In the valley He is tuning your voice. In the storm clouds He is deepening your range. In the rain showers He is sweetening your melody. In the cold He is giving your notes expression. And as you pass at times from hope to fear, He is perfecting the message of your lyrics.
O dear soul, do not despise your school of sorrow. It is bestowing on you a unique part in the heavenly song."
- George Matheson