Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs Symposium

Meetings! They interrupt your life and work and seem to get in the way of the important stuff. Today is no exception. I wriggled around and managed to get my reference desk hours covered for the symposium presentations, but my morning meeting ran long and I missed the first part of chapel. I scurried along the walkway toward the Cultural Life Center, the wind brisk, the leaves scuffing beneath my shoes. Perhaps if I am lucky, they will just be completing the opening singing and readings and I won't miss too much.

I am about to dash up the ramp towards the back of the auditorium when I spot her, a woman obviously lost and in a quandary. I sigh and stop. Can I be of assistance? Yes. She has come for the symposium - oh, good! She is in the right place and I can usher her into the chapel quickly and not miss any more. But no. That is not her question. Her concern is to figure out where she is supposed to go AFTER the morning chapel. The lunch thing. Oh.

I give directions, and while I am gesturing and pointing, her friend arrives, pushing a walker. Not an elderly woman by any means, but in need of extra time to get places. I understand the concern. I assure them that I will wait for them when chapel is concluded, and I will walk with them to Garlock where they need to be. They look dubious, but I arrange to meet them by the ladies room, and then we all go in.

I have missed the opening worship. It takes me a few minutes to settle in and catch on to what the speaker is presenting. Soon I am following along, delighted when he teaches us the very Iona song my choir will be singing next month for call to worship. He emphasizes the significance of the words, of hearing what we are singing about, that music is the prayer of the spirit. Yes. Slow down, savor the presence of God, share the songs from one generation to another.

How wonderful to sing together sweet in the spirit - music that touches the innermost core. It is most natural afterwards to reconnect with the campus visitors, to walk slowly with them towards their lunch destination. How amazing that the speaker is right behind us, and I am honored to meet him and chat for a few minutes before I must start my afternoon of alternating desk duty and presentation attending.

Not the ideal way to attend a symposium, but sometimes you just have to fit these things in and be grateful for each opportunity you get. And sing. Keep singing.