Protecting what we love.

I've been a real big fan of a band called Future of Forestry since their (one and only) album came out a few winters ago. While the music is basic pop-rock, it also has a very ethereal & landscaped sound to it. All this and still very spiritual and inspiring. In anticipation for their second album, I've been following one the band members' blogs looking for not only info and/or tidbits on new material, but on music, spirituality, and life in general. In one of Eric's last posts, he makes a very poignant statement about music and art in general. Voila:

"... she (Eric's wife) reminded me how important this time is not to forget or underestimate what is happening with my music and song-writing right now. Something I have to protect.We have to protect the things we love. We have to protect art. Not because all the gangs are trying to break into my house to “tag” all the paintings with spray-paint. But its always “the tyranny of urgent” in tough times isn’t it? Art doesn’t SEEM essential when bills need to get paid and tax forms need to be sent. We have to protect what we love. And if we love art, we need to protect it from being the last thing to get fed. That doesn’t just go for those who are MAKING the art, but for those who are APPRECIATING it as well. I’m so thankful for a gentle reminder to value what is inside of me. To make sure it has a priority and that I am living my life with a readiness to keep that as a huge part of who I am."

That really struck a chord with me (pardon the pun). I immediately identified with what he was saying. I've always had a strong passion and love for music. Even now as I try to find where it is that God is leading me in my journey, this reminds me that I need to stay true to my calling. I’ve always felt that God has wanted me in some kind of music-ministry. I’m sure I’ll always feel that, but I’ve never known where and in what context. Maybe I’ll find a group of musicians that will “make it”. Maybe I’ll hone my skills as a worship leader and find a job as a worship/arts pastor some vibrant church. Maybe I’ll be a hired-gun guitar player for some up-and-coming artist. Or, maybe I’ll sit at a desk and drink too much coffee while I sell bearings and oil seals at an industrial parts company. The above statement made me put things into a different perspective for a short moment. Like a bad inspirational movie, I got that “don’t give up” feeling. Music is important to me and it’s something I can’t let go of no matter how impatient and discouraged I can become. I remember having similar conversations with my own my wife about my passion and call to “do” music. Yet, I need to remember that although music isn’t paying the bills or putting food on the table, or paying admission to the next M. Night Shyamalan flick, it’s still more important to me than leaving it “last to get fed”. More than once was I chosen last to be on somebody’s road hockey team, so I don’t want the same happen to my own passions.

Ever since my brother, his fiend, and I would air-instrument to Guns n' Roses in our basement (being the youngest, I got last pick and always got stuck being Matt Sorum), I wanted to be in a band and make music. Many years have gone by since then (about 17) but I've since had many musical experiences along the way. From learning Nirvana and Metallica riffs in my bedroom to prepare for the next talent show, to ripping off The Edge and John Mayer licks and applying them to worship tunes and JSB originals, I again find myself stagnant in my musical endeavors. I often say to my wife, "I think it's time I find another dream". I half-jokingly say, "the rockstar thing isn't quite working out for me like I'd hoped." Of course I don't want to be a rock-star. I'm not much of an alcohol drinker, I'm happily a monogamist, and drugs are so 1990's. Rather, my rockstardom lies in joining with other people in a place where music becomes more than sound, lights, and guitar solos. Rather, a place where music becomes a an inward audio to God, our Creator. Real rockstars receive the praise and glory for their feats. I just want to be in a position where the music I'm playing is steering all glory and praise are directed away from me and to Him. More specifically, upward. Once it reaches the heavenly realm, it's given back to us in the form of blessings and wonder. This is where the "inward audio" comes into play. That what I want to pay my bills and put food on the table. Paying for my next theater visit would be alright too.