The choir experience started off with some sobering news: Lloyd Newell, the host of Music & the Spoken Word for 34 years now has been released from his service. I guess it wasn't too much of a shock because that's a LONG time to be serving in just one position. Still though... people all over the world associate him with this program and with providing words of wisdom, love, peace, and insight every Sunday. It's hard to really calculate all the ways he'll be missed. But, whoever does take his place will, I'm sure, do a great job and perhaps infuse new life into this role. I'm personally hoping we get a woman replacement--I think that would be cool. But we'll see.
We had a lengthy rehearsal after the broadcast and after that was over and fulfilling my library duties, I got home about 12:45. On the way out today, they had handed us a FOUR-PAGE handout on all the things we need to know about this upcoming week, so I took some time to read through it. Lots of stuff to keep in mind. But most of it was typical instructions that have applied every year: security issues, parking, where to go when, how to line up, what to bring and what not to bring, overall schedules, etc.
We'll rehearse Tuesday and Wednesday--Wednesday being the day I love the most (seeing everything come together for the first time). And then our performances will be Thursday thru Saturday, with Sunday's MSW being one that will feature our special guests. It's a very long week, but an exciting one, and being to share it with 60,000 people (and more, when it's released next year on PBS) is a pretty awesome feeling. I'm also looking forward to the bonding that occurs with my fellow basses and friends when singing together songs of Christ.
On a different topic....
As the year starts to come to an end, I always get into "reflection mode" and try and examine where I am and where I want to be--and then how to get there. There's plenty that's happened this year that has taken me to the depths of pain, heartache, guilt, and despair. But in the midst of all of that is growth, perspective, and understanding--as well as increased empathy and compassion. I don't claim to be an expert in any of these things, but I'm grateful for the opportunity to gain a little more of them. They will serve me as I try and serve and help others in whatever path they are trodding along.
All of this ties in with a poem that a good friend shared with me a few weeks ago. I was impressed by it and wanted to share it here. It's by Rumi:
THE GUEST HOUSE
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning, a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
Some momentary awareness comes
As an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of your furniture.
Still, treat each guest honorably.
He may clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
As I look towards next year and all of the challenges and potential hardships, I need to stop and remember that there is much of life I can't control. My job is to live in the moment, embrace what I'm given--either by learning from it, enjoying it, being tested by it, or feeling pain from it. And have hope that all of these "unexpected (and expected) visitors" that come into my "house" can lead to a new delight. I don't know yet if I can be grateful for each such visitor, or welcome each with laughter or proactively let each of them in. But I can try knowing I'll be better in some way for doing it.
Until next time, God be with you.
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