Snowy Day Play

I arrive at church early. It will be an intense rehearsal before service for the choir since we have had no weekday rehearsal. I tried to select pieces that will be familiar, requiring only a brush up and run through. I am surprised at how many cars are already in the parking lot when I pull in. The weather is yukky, the travel slow, the roads messy.

I discover our accompanist is not able to make it. I will play for service - good thing my New Year resolutions included playing the piano. I will not be as rusty. I run through the hymns, grateful that I had allotted myself extra time. Especially since the choir is not familiar with the anthem I selected. Still they catch on and do a marvelous job of it. They are troopers.

I enjoy playing, even though I am not that good. I can manage, but I know if I practice on a regular basis, I will be better. Never concert pianist caliber, but at least able to hold my own. Its so easy to get lost in a million other activities. But this year I am determined to do better because it is not just for improvement, but therapy.

I continue to explore the therapeutic effects of music for the spirit as well as the mind and body. It is a complicated process, and not at all the same as music therapy. This is not about expression of angst through the media of music, but about how the sound creates positive healing results within the person as they listen. I have much to learn.

Meanwhile, I am happy to play on a snowy Sunday in 2010.

Back to Work

The last time I seriously went to the library to accomplish my duties was December 22. After that, with Dad's passing, I was otherwise occupied. The college gives us the week between Christmas and New Year's Day off with pay - how amazing! And this year how needed. While it wasn't a vacation for me, it was wonderful to be free to take care of everything without the added pressure of burning up vacation time or sick leave.

Today, in consideration of those students whose courses continue despite the break for undergrads, the library is open in the afternoon. I am happy to be back in the familiar environment and start in easy. We have only a handful of people who venture out into the cold and snow, and it makes catching up with the book returns, the voice mails and emails a more do-able task.

I am happy to spend some time reshelving books- something I don't often get to do since our students are quick and expert at it. It is one aspect of librarianship I have always enjoyed - making things be organized and orderly and findable, being exposed to our collection in a closer way, neatening and straightening the shelves, finding that out of place book and restoring it to its proper habitat.

It is good to be back, good to be involved with basics, good to pick up the reigns gently. How blessed to be allowed to ease back in. Nice!

Happy New Year

I certainly hope this year will be less challenging than last! It would be a blessing to enjoy good health for a change, not to mention not losing anyone else from the family. Still, last year brought its own particular share of blessings despite the hard times. I am lucky to have had so much help, encouragement and support. How great is that!

It is a relief to finally feel as if things are settling down and I can resume some semblance of normal. Even though I still have to take time outs for PET scans and port draws and doctor appointments, my thoughts are focusing on work at the library and coursework at the seminary - a wonderful change of pace.

My resolutions for this new year?

*pray for my family, friends, staff, colleagues with much more intentionality and commitment
*align each day not with what my calendar tells me I must do, but with the divine appointments that come my way without notice
*practice the piano often
*walk every day
*enjoy God's good earth
*love my kids even when they drive me crazy

So far, I am batting a thousand! Let's see how long I can stay attuned.