“It’s Etched in Stone:” Appreciating a few of ‘My Favorite Things’

By RALPH STONE
MVI columnist

“My Favorite Things” is one of my favorite songs, coming from one of my favorite musicals, “The Sound of Music,” and sung by one of my favorite singing artists, Julie Andrews.
The reason that I love this song so much is that the lyrics of this catchy Rogers and Hammerstein tune are so very positive and uplifting. The lyrics remind us to concentrate and appreciate all the good energy of our lives, so that when bad things occur — and they most certainly will — we should be better equipped to handle it all.
We’re all going to receive those “dog bites” and “bee stings.” They may come in the doctor’s report on our health, a financial disaster or sad news concerning a loved one. Whatever it may be, we’re all going to receive our share of those dog bites and bee stings.
God never promised us a rose garden, but he did surround us with a bevy of blessings that will enable us to cope with those bites and stings of life.
In the lyrics which Julie sings she mentions, “raindrops on roses” and “whiskers on kittens,” “bright-colored kettles” and “warm-woolen mittens.” She goes on with two additional verses that portray the simple, yet beautiful things, which make up her favorite list.
In the final stanza, she tells us that when we do receive those “dog bites” or “bee stings” and we’re “feeling sad,” “she simply remembers those favorite things and then she does not feel so bad!”

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