MTC #168 - Home

Usually about once a year, the BYU Singers join us for Music & the Spoken Word--and today happened to be that day. We were grateful to have them, and delighted in the opportunity to hear their beautiful voices. We were also grateful

to be directed by Dr. Andrew Crane for one of the songs on the program. Dr. Crane is the director of the BYU Singers and has also performed with the Choir on occasion. I thought it was fascinating to see him come to the podium and start rehearsing the song--giving necessary feedback, correction, and compliments, just as Mack Wilberg would--appearing to be perfectly comfortable and completely in his element. I suppose that it what talent, experience, and confidence will do for you! I wouldn't fault a guest conductor for being just a little bit nervous in directing over 400 singers, but with Dr. Crane, it wasn't even an issue. 

Impressive.

As an aside, a friend of mine mentioned how seeing the BYU Singers took him back to his college years. And I had to agree. Along with all of the wonderful memories of singing at BYU, however, came the fact that I'm in my 40s are am not in that time of life anymore. I used to go back to campus periodically, not too long after I graduated, and felt like I still fit right in. But that definitely is not the case any longer. Those years were filled with ups and downs and have their place in my personal history. And the memories of singing were some of my best memories. But that time was then, and now is now, and I'm glad that now is now. :)

From my BYU days. These were two fellow friends & basses

My favorite song on the broadcast today was called "Softly and Tenderly"--a song that talks a lot about HOME. The song's chorus says

Come home, come home,
You who are weary, come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!


I think we can all relate to how good it feels to come home after a long, hard day. Or maybe we've been away on a trip or visiting family or involved in some other event, and at some point we just long to be home again. My favorite times are when my wife and I get to have all of our kids home at one time,

enjoying each others' company and participating in conversation and shared experiences. The same feelings come about when I allow my Savior to be a part of my life. I come home to Him through doing things he's asked me to do. I come home by being the type of person He wants me to be. Coming home to appreciate his sacrifice and live his teachings allow me to feel peace. And I'm grateful for that. 

After the broadcast ended today, we had some surprise visitors (and former guest artists) come to the stage and say hello to us. John Rhys-Davies said a few words (he's in town for Comic Con I think) and David Archuleta also said a few words. Both were very kind in expressing how much they love the choir and the warmth they feel when they hear us sing. It was good to see them and to hear their words. 

Until next time, God be with you. 

BYU Singers from today's broadcast