Milk & Honey
Nov 22, 2009 sojourn
A couple of nights ago I met friends and associates I used to work with at the firm that brought me to Charlotte in 1996… a wonderfully eclectic collection of folks that makes it a point to stay connected since the company basically crumbled after being sold in 1998. Could be the sense mission we had at this technology firm. Not that it was perfect, but there was something about it. We had our share of struggles and disappointments, yet always came together to strive for the next milestone, no matter how daunting or unachievable it seemed at the time.
I left our social hour pumped. I mean, it has been at least 2-3 years since I’ve attended one of these get-togethers, and some 30 people made the rush hour drive to hang out, have a beer and a few laughs, and reminisce. The next day, I thought often about some of the conversations I had and perspectives that came home with me. But the really cool thing about it all was that diving into these past relationships somehow freed me to realize I’m ready to test waters I’ve gazed at for a few weeks now.
I originally got into writing while part of the worship ministry at a church we used to attend. Since that change, we’ve attended another great church, but I never got back into music ministry. For some time now, I’ve struggled with a decision to that end and feel the time set sail on this venture has come.
Of course, there is a voice telling me, dude, you can’t do this, just keep doing what you’re doing. Don’t make waves, don’t venture out into the deep waters. Stay here, where things are safe and keep enjoying the life of “bread and wine”. But there’s a stirring that won’t go away. Bread and wine is good, but deep inside I believe there’s a promise of Milk & Honey that awaits. It’s going to take a lot of faith, and the whole venture may not even work out, or could lead me in a whole other direction. But if I don’t ever pull up anchor I’ll never know.
What I See
I get sermon snips everyday via email from one of my favorite pastors, Charles Stanley of First Baptist in Atlanta. This week’s messages included “The Power of Persistence”, “Perseverance”, “Time for Success” and “Using Time Well”. Wish I could say I consistently excel in all these areas, I don’t. But, I do aspire to the principals, and feel I made some really good strides this year.
Last night I cut my website over to a new version. It feels really good to have gone through this process. In the past I’ve done all this type of work myself, but this time around I engaged a friend and fellow writer/musician, John Cloer, who’s expanding his marketing horizons into web development. Thanks to John and his wife Cate (singer/songwriter), for encouraging me to get this done, and especially to John for his hard work and patience through the development process. This multi-talented duo has really blossomed this year and is quickly becoming a mainstay act in the Charlotte music scene.
Here come the holidays as I’m wrapping up my first studio effort, a four song EP, which has been a great learning experience. Though the songs will be done, I won’t have all the money to finish the project this year, but I’ll be getting pre-mastered mixes posted as soon as they are ready.
It’s also time to start mapping out 2010 and make some personal decisions that could significantly impact life as I (and my family) know it today. Most of all, I need take time to count up the blessings and look for ways to quietly give back to those who have needs. To observe life more intently and laugh a little more often, to be more resilient in situations that wear me down by sifting what really matters from the nonsense that’s so pervasive in our world today. It only takes a tiny crack for light to shine into darkness, and a heart of hope to see it.