I have been thinking a lot about this movie I saw last week, and I thought I would share my thoughts with you. It is a lesser known movie called "The Peaceful Warrior." Among others, one of the stars is Nick Nolte (as Socrates, apt enough). He plays a mystic sage to a cocky Olympic hopeful, played by Scott Mechlowitz. This movie is a cross between Karate Kid and The Celestine Prophesy. Socrates becomes a mentor to the young boy and teaches him the "true meaning" of life.
The main lesson really struck me. The whole time, Socrates stresses the importance of really doing what you love no matter what. It's not about getting somewhere or acheiving a goal, per se, but doing what is in your heart. After a tragedy in the boy's life, Socrates encourages him to still do what's in his heart, not to prove anything, but because it's what will make him truely happy.
How hard is it to learn this lesson. What a challenge is it when what we know to be the most important thing in our lives becomes difficult or impossible to do? This is an excellent movie to show kids as they struggle with motivation. One of our coaches at our school wants to show this to his Volleyball team now. Check it out.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Things that Edify
It's been a long time since I added anything to this blog. Life has been crazy: the new job, relationships, life in general. I had a couple experiences over these last couple of days that I thought I would share.
Last night, we had a practice for our "Spirit and Life" Choir. This is a new choir I started in response to requests for a more spirit-filled music repotoire. This is partly the old youth choir here at the parish along with a new band and me at the helm. My team has been phenomenal in this adventure. Anyway, we had a pretty low turn out for practice, but those that were here had great passion for the worship and the music. The last song we were practicing was "Steal Away," an acapella African-American spiritual I've used in several churches along the way. It took us a while to learn the harmonies and the verses and to decide who was singing what part, etc. Once we got the right blend, I was blown away. It was like we couldn't sing it enough. To see the smiles on everyone's faces just sent chills down my spine. You know, sometimes, I wonder if I'm really doing the right thing here, but I had no doubt last night. I went home with the biggest smile on my face, and I am still on that high.
This morning, our school kids had a prayer service instead of our usual mass. With Father Attila being gone on vacation and Deacon Ed tied up, the responsibility fell to me to plan and execute the prayer service. I chose to have a prayer service for the healing of our nation in times of tragedy. With the anniversary of 9/11 so close, and our own fire in the school still fresh in our minds, I thought it was appropriate. I think it went so well. Mrs. Vanhoosier, our principal, agreed to do the reflection after our scripture readings, which was very nice. Everything seemed to mesh so well, I was again on cloud nine.
My office is on the second floor of the church with my large window looking out into the worship space. I was sitting at my desk working on four new prayer services I am going to offer the parish when I looked out and saw a young girl walking up to the altar. I am used to seeing children in the church during the day running about as their parents are here for one reason or another. This time, the family was here to get their pictures taken for our parish photobook. Well, this little girl, no more than three or four years old stopped before getting to the steps leading up, folded her hands and bowed before going up to the ambo (pulpit). I was amazed. I tend to forget to do that myself, but here was this young girl showing such respect. I watched carefully as she stood behind the ambo for a short time and then left the sanctuary. She again stopped and bowed on her way out. It was more than cute, it was awesome in the most profound meaning of the word.
What can I take from these experiences? Our God is an Awesome God, so says the contemporary song writer. In times when I feel stressed and maybe a little lost in my life, God is right there telling me that I am not alone. Sometimes, it takes a few things to really wake me up. I feel like I can live better, love better, and simply BE better. It wont last forever, but this feeling is how I want to feel forever. With God's help and the help of those close to me, maybe I can feel this again soon.
Last night, we had a practice for our "Spirit and Life" Choir. This is a new choir I started in response to requests for a more spirit-filled music repotoire. This is partly the old youth choir here at the parish along with a new band and me at the helm. My team has been phenomenal in this adventure. Anyway, we had a pretty low turn out for practice, but those that were here had great passion for the worship and the music. The last song we were practicing was "Steal Away," an acapella African-American spiritual I've used in several churches along the way. It took us a while to learn the harmonies and the verses and to decide who was singing what part, etc. Once we got the right blend, I was blown away. It was like we couldn't sing it enough. To see the smiles on everyone's faces just sent chills down my spine. You know, sometimes, I wonder if I'm really doing the right thing here, but I had no doubt last night. I went home with the biggest smile on my face, and I am still on that high.
This morning, our school kids had a prayer service instead of our usual mass. With Father Attila being gone on vacation and Deacon Ed tied up, the responsibility fell to me to plan and execute the prayer service. I chose to have a prayer service for the healing of our nation in times of tragedy. With the anniversary of 9/11 so close, and our own fire in the school still fresh in our minds, I thought it was appropriate. I think it went so well. Mrs. Vanhoosier, our principal, agreed to do the reflection after our scripture readings, which was very nice. Everything seemed to mesh so well, I was again on cloud nine.
My office is on the second floor of the church with my large window looking out into the worship space. I was sitting at my desk working on four new prayer services I am going to offer the parish when I looked out and saw a young girl walking up to the altar. I am used to seeing children in the church during the day running about as their parents are here for one reason or another. This time, the family was here to get their pictures taken for our parish photobook. Well, this little girl, no more than three or four years old stopped before getting to the steps leading up, folded her hands and bowed before going up to the ambo (pulpit). I was amazed. I tend to forget to do that myself, but here was this young girl showing such respect. I watched carefully as she stood behind the ambo for a short time and then left the sanctuary. She again stopped and bowed on her way out. It was more than cute, it was awesome in the most profound meaning of the word.
What can I take from these experiences? Our God is an Awesome God, so says the contemporary song writer. In times when I feel stressed and maybe a little lost in my life, God is right there telling me that I am not alone. Sometimes, it takes a few things to really wake me up. I feel like I can live better, love better, and simply BE better. It wont last forever, but this feeling is how I want to feel forever. With God's help and the help of those close to me, maybe I can feel this again soon.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
My First Funeral
I had my first funeral as Director of Worship on Monday this week. With the memorial service on Monday evening and funeral Tuesday morning, I was sooooo nervous. What if I didn't pick the right songs? What if my guitar playing was something that they didn't care for? What if I forgot about a part of the service? So many thoughts running through my head the days before. I was quite relieved when I got there and everything went smoothly. I had the assistance of two excellent singers (one song I got to "sit in" on) and the family seemed very pleased with the whole thing. In the mean time, I was able to assemble all my funeral music and then some, so next time, I wont be so nervous.
One thing I did notice was the feeling of being in a sacred space. I was, through my position at the church, invited into this place of remembering and mourning. I watched as the family cried and smiled and told stories about her. I have a lot to learn about the way people are, and this was one of those learning experiences. The faith people have in themselves, each other, and God is truely inspiring.
One thing I did notice was the feeling of being in a sacred space. I was, through my position at the church, invited into this place of remembering and mourning. I watched as the family cried and smiled and told stories about her. I have a lot to learn about the way people are, and this was one of those learning experiences. The faith people have in themselves, each other, and God is truely inspiring.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
8th Grade Graduation
Last night, we celebrated the graduation of our 8th Graders with a mass, commencement and reception. What a joy to be part of this event. I hired a piano player to help me out with the music. I played guitar, and we had our school choir present to privide wonderful music. I really enjoy being there with the school choir, and last night was no exeption. Two of the younger girls in the choir pulled me aside before the service began and commented on how nice my dress was I was wearing. When I tried to tell them I wasn't wearing one, they informed me that I had an ugly Pink and Green dress. I thanked them for telling me this and went back to my preparations. Kids have such a way of seeing the world and I tend to be inspired by it. The humor is genuine, without hurt or malice in it. Our next big event will be in August when we host the diocesan school kickoff mass with the Bishop. I love my job.
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