This has been a powerful three months.
I am overwhelmed with gratitude for this tremendous gift from Mount Olive, and the board of directors and singers of the National Lutheran Choir. As I traveled, I often had to explain what I was doing, and people marveled at the fact that Mount Olive and the choir would allow such a thing. (I think it is not only something they "allow", they would probably insist on it - one NLC singer told me he selfishly wanted it to happen - he knew it would energize the next few years...). I have to say, it really made Mount Olive and NLC look good, although that would not be important to either, or the reason for the sabbatical leave.
Susan has learned through her research, that the quickest path to creativity is a break in the pattern. This opens up new pathways in the brain. This has occurred.
For me, the path to learning which goes deep and lasts long in my memory is through experience. Certainly I can read books and (shudder here) complete degrees, but there's something about my brain cells that causes things I see, hear and experience to be remembered far more effectively. This has occurred.
To those of you who helped this sabbatical occur: Thank you from the inner most depth of my being. I feel like I have made the most of this time. I did not sit on my hands and sleep these three months, although I did enjoy forgetting what day it was. I got up and went everywhere I could afford to go. (and perhaps more than we could afford....) I wanted to experience the best of the best, and did that. I also learned through (sorry to admit) negative experiences. I learned again what it's like for the visitor. I learned how important, valuable, and hospitable historic liturgy is. I was reminded about how many places exists where there are profound and wonderful things going on. I was reminded about how many hard-working folks there are who care deeply and do their best, and often without much attention for it, and sometimes are met with slaps in the face. This includes both church musicians and pastors to be sure, but I often thought of that with the airline people: flight attendants, pilots, service agents - who have been bumped around a lot lately, treated poorly by the airline yet still can smile at and with us passengers. I even kind of grew to appreciated those business super-travelers who hover at the gates to be the first to board in first-class cabin: they too are loved creations of God!
Mostly, I am grateful and excited about what we GET to be and do as Lutherans. We get to combine the wonderful imaginative organ playing I heard in France with the outstanding Choral music I heard in St. Thomas Church, New York, and we GET to sing our hearts out as a congregation, which in my experience (which now is broader) is uniquely outstanding at Mount Olive - although we do not hold exclusive rights on that. We GET to use the historic/hospitable liturgy - through which we GET to highlight something other than ourselves: God.
And this extended absence has also proven the old cliche: "absence makes the heart fonder." I have truly fallen further deep in love with the two organizations with whom we GET to share our selves: Mount Olive and the National Lutheran Choir. I am completely committed, and eager to return with many new ideas ready to go.
Luckiest guy alive.
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Experiences in churches and concerts during my 2008 sabbatical
