Post Traumatic Sydrome

I know that this is no laughing matter, but I feel like I just went through Post Traumatic Syndrome this week. I had a very difficult couple of weeks, and once everything was finished and the last song had been sung and the last book had been put away on Easter morning, I was ready to crash. Not more than two days later, I got very sick. I somehow was able to have both a bad Flu virus and Strep Throat at the same time. I dont remember the last time I went from chills right into the sweats and back into the chills again. I guess I can be happy I had some sick time to take off from work and do some serious recovery. Now, all is well again, and I'm ready to take on the world. Last night, I just had to get out for a nice long walk... wonderful.

The School choir had its "return" practice yesterday. We had so much fun. Every one of those who came were in a great mood, and were excited to be back together again. (We're getting the band back together.) By the time it was over, my heart was racing, and I had to stop before I got to a couple songs I wanted to play with because we ran out of time. What a fantastic feeling. When we had mass this morning, that energy carried over. They were so good today, and I am so honored to be up there leading them.

So, now the tedious work begins, putting everything back together. My office is in shambles, my music files are seperated out into stacks from various days we sang, and I have a new season to tweak and primp so that I can offer the best possible worship experience. I have come to love my "creative" days as I call them. These are the days I can step back from the administration parts of the job, and really dream about what this music program can be. I think the rest of this week can be used for a bit of that time. I have some new songs I'm getting excited about. I have some young cantors that I am looking forward to seeing what their made of. It's a brand new day.

P.S. Ugh... wouldn't you know it, but I forgot to thank John, the fantastic guy who covered for my while I was sick this last weekend. He is definately one of my best resources, trusted advisors, and good friends. Thanks John.

School Choir Update

So, get this...

Not too long ago I posted a blog about the whole Children's choir thing? Well, this last weekend, I may have found someone to help me organize and lead the kids. I am so pumped. She is one of the parishioners here and has a great background both with kids and in music. I think she would be a perfect addition to the ministry we have going here. Her husband even said that he would nudge her a little to get her involved. This could be the beginning of a very good thing.

I believe that children are our future...

Teach them well and let them lead the way....

Now, I'm not fully convinced that signs just appear in our life as a supernatural thing, but I do believe in reading the signs of the times. Lately, I have had my awareness swamped with words and images pertaining to leading, teaching and being mentors to children. Case in point:

1. I just got a professional magazine (Pastoral Music) in the mail last week. The subject of the majority of the articles was directing children's choirs. I just about read that magazine cover to cover. Loved all the suggestions and examples they gave.
2. The headlining story in the Faith and Values section of the newspaper on Friday was about when and how to introduce children to prayer and questions of faith. It was a very interesting read from several of the local faith leaders in the area here.
3. I had a nice long conversation with a classmate in my summer master's program this weekend. One of our topics, among many others, was about school choirs and cantors. This really stuck out to me for some reason.

I gleened several things from this succession of events in my life. Here at Good Shepherd, we are blessed with a vibrant school choir and good school liturgies. We have quite a few very talented cantors in the school and many more coming up through the grades.

I have recently been given the school choir as one of my tasks, and I've been trying to think of how to really make their experience a good one. Luckily, I have a great piano player who is so reliable and gifted. I am really finding it more crucial for me to learn how to utilize these gifts and talents as well as I can. I know my management skills aren't always the best as my creative and adventurous side likes to get in the way. I started praying for someone to come along who would be interested in helping to lead the choir with me. We'll see how that turns out.

These are great kids, and they deserve great opportunities.