I’ve been having a pretty fun week, driving around Kansas as part of my two week tour, speaking to student council leaders and their awesome sponsors. As each day begins, the host school tends to showcase some of their student talent. I’ve listened to choirs, drumlines, and even school orchestras as they show their school talent.
Today at Winfield High School I listened to the orchestra play a series of songs. My seat was right in front of the cellos, and I couldn’t help but think about my bride-to-be. Jessica was also actively involved in orchestra in high school. She loved music and she loved playing the cello. She almost took it up again a few years ago, but opted instead to get her cat, Cella (featured a few times in blog entries on this site).
But I know she wants to play again one day.
I watched these young cellist play today and thought about Jessica and her passion for music.
I listened to the choir sing yesterday and thought about my choir back in my high school days.
And I realized that both activities brought us joy, and neither of us get to take the time to still do them today.
So why this post?
No, I’m not trying to bum my younger readers out, but I think we should take the time to enjoy these pursuits while we’re in the midst of them. Far too often, we race to that next event. We’re so concerned about that next practice, that we don’t always celebrate our play. Let’s do that. Let’s recognize that sometimes the busy-ness nourishes a bit of our heart.
And… as we become adults, let’s not let it all die out. Sure, it’s not as easy to be on a volleyball team or in an orchestra when you’re working 9-5 and you’re raising kids, but let’s still at least go to a volleyball game from time to time or attend the symphony.
Jessica has told me several times that she wishes some day she will get a cello again and play regularly again. As I watched the joy of the students playing today, I realized that is a wish that definitely needs to be fulfilled. It won’t be in the immediate future, but I can’t wait to see her joy as the music plays on.