The Maker’s music is our source of strength, restoration and encouragement.

Theme Five (An excerpt from the Digging Deeper section of The Cracking of Monday Egg)

Think about it

I have always thought it funny that a blanket can also be called a comforter. We have a huge comforter on our bed at home. It is thick, white and fluffy. We call it the cloud because when it envelops you it feels like you are lying in a cloud. It is warm and wonderful on cold Alaska winter nights.

The other meaning of the word comforter is a person who comes and consoles you, makes you feel better. After Jesus died, rose back to life and ascended to heaven on a cloud, he sent the Holy Spirit to believers to be our comforter. When we are discouraged, he strengthens us. When we are tired, he provides the energy to keep following the Maker. The Holy Spirit is the music that fills our hearts with good hope and reassuring love. When I listen to music, especially while lying in the cloud, I am thankful that we have a perfect comforter.

2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.(NIV)

Zephaniah 3: 17 The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.(NIV)

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (KJV)

Discussion Questions

The first time the music came to Monday he felt it was alive and sparking with energy. It arrived layered with feelings, as though it understood his pain. (Chapter 10)

As time went on, Monday learned to drink the music in, as it swelled and softened in exactly the way he needed. Every time the Maker sent the music Monday realized it was new, written for that very moment. Because of the music, Monday had a response greater than his sorrow. (Chapter 20)

• How do you feel when you realize someone understands your pain?
• What would it be like to have a dependable source of encouragement when you feel discouraged?
• Would a reminder that God delights in you give you hope?
• Jesus asked God to send us the Holy Spirit as Comforter. Do you believe you can experience his comfort?
• What are some ways you hear the Maker’s music and receive its restoring power?