Somewhere I read the following: The sweetest sound made by two voices is not a song in perfectly matched unison, but the lovely sound of two distinct voices blended into perfect harmony. (If a reader knows to whom I should credit that bit of wisdom, please respond!)

This applies to so much more than just music! We all have our own preconceived notions of “perfection.” The “perfect” friend, the “perfect” job, the “perfect” place to live. And on and on. What a colorless world this would be if perfection were the same for everyone! We would all want to live in the same place. We would all want the same job.

It has often been said, “Celebrate the differences!” In my book, “To Comfort a King,” Abishag and King David were two of the most unlikely people to end up as dear friends. Abishag came from a tiny village where she had lived all her life. King David ruled the entire nation of Israel. What could they have in common?

They discovered a mutual passion for music from their harps. Making music together was their way of relating intimately. At first, Abishag tried to anticipate and match the king’s next fingering on the strings, and was frustrated with her inability to do so. Eventually, she chose to simply harmonize with his music. The resulting music carried them both to indescribable heights of pleasure.

Do we often discount possible relationships based on apparent differences in personality or interests? Do we hesitate to open ourselves to someone who is different from us? What pleasures we thereby deny ourselves!