It seems to be a universal trait in all human cultures – an appreciation for art. It could be an oil painting, a sculpture, poetry, or music. Among all those forms of art, music seems to be the most universal. From the simple drum beats of the most primitive people to the elaborate symphony of the world’s finest orchestras, music seems to appeal to all, even those who would show disdain for other forms of art.

Who among us hasn’t found ourselves foot-tapping to the rhythm of a special song? Who hasn’t found ourselves feeling the stirring of a marching band or felt the emotional grip of a memory associated with a particular song?

Perhaps it is emotion that sets music apart from other art forms.

And, perhaps it is the emotional link to music that is the key to connecting with the spirit realm we call heaven. Perhaps emotion is the language of the spirit beings we all become when we pass from this physical life.

If we reflect on it, we might recognize that it is emotion that is the common element of our appreciation of all art forms. We feel moved by a painting or photograph that somehow touches us. We might find ourselves re-reading a poem or listening closely to the lyrics of a favorite song. But it is music that seems to have the greatest impact on our emotions.

We can only wonder if the sounds of music are instinctively linked to our desire to connect to the heavens. How many church services begin with songs of praise? How many of those songs combine poetic and inspiring lyrics with pleasing or inspiring melodies? How many of those lyrics paint a word picture of a heavenly reward?

Once we begin to connect the dots, we might begin to recognize that emotion, and the expression of emotion through music is the strongest link to the spirit realm and the heavenly destination we strive to achieve in our efforts to understand faith, logic, and the ultimate merging of the two.