Just thinking
This week has been different in many ways. The funeral I did for the 23 year old suicide victim, last Sunday, was indeed the hardest fruneral I have done in over 36 years.
Many people have came to me this week and told me what a wonderful job I did on my message to this grieving family. I needed a break from all of this sadness and all the other funerals I have done the past few months. I did 9 funerals in August and I believe the one Sunday, was my 26th for the year.
To get a bit of R&R, I went to a country/blue grass show to listen to my friend's band play. It's kind of like a mini-opry where anyone who wants to play or sing, can. When they saw I was in the audience, one of the musicians said, "There's a preacher here in the audience and from what I have heard about him, if Jerry Lee Lewis would hear him play a piano, Jerry would burn his"!!!! He introduced me and had me stand up. This was totally unexpected and way too complimentary of me.
When they took a intermission, many people came to me and ask me to play the piano for them and I told them I was there to just relax and listen. After a lot of badgering, I finally agreed to play a couple of songs for them. I was introduced and I played "The Tennessee Waltz", and Precious Jesus hold my hand. When it was over, I got a standing ovation. I sat through most of the remaining program but, I had to leave about 9:30pm to be sure my sister-in-law got woke up to go to work so, I asked if I come come to the microphone. My friend said "come on" so, I went to the microphone, told them why I was leaving early, I thanked them for allowing me, a simple preacher, to just come, enjoy myself, play music with my friends and that I hadn't done that in almost 40 years. I then shook hands with "Chuck", the leader of the band and my friend, I then went over and shook hands with all the band members and thanked them for allowing me to join them. I left with a big smile on my face and joy inside. It felt good.
Sat. I once again do another funeral and Sunday, I do what I love to do best, is be the Pastor, in the pulpit preaching but, for a few minutes Tuesday evening, I sat down at those old 88 keys, and just "unwound for a while" with other fellow musicians and friends.
Many people have came to me this week and told me what a wonderful job I did on my message to this grieving family. I needed a break from all of this sadness and all the other funerals I have done the past few months. I did 9 funerals in August and I believe the one Sunday, was my 26th for the year.
To get a bit of R&R, I went to a country/blue grass show to listen to my friend's band play. It's kind of like a mini-opry where anyone who wants to play or sing, can. When they saw I was in the audience, one of the musicians said, "There's a preacher here in the audience and from what I have heard about him, if Jerry Lee Lewis would hear him play a piano, Jerry would burn his"!!!! He introduced me and had me stand up. This was totally unexpected and way too complimentary of me.
When they took a intermission, many people came to me and ask me to play the piano for them and I told them I was there to just relax and listen. After a lot of badgering, I finally agreed to play a couple of songs for them. I was introduced and I played "The Tennessee Waltz", and Precious Jesus hold my hand. When it was over, I got a standing ovation. I sat through most of the remaining program but, I had to leave about 9:30pm to be sure my sister-in-law got woke up to go to work so, I asked if I come come to the microphone. My friend said "come on" so, I went to the microphone, told them why I was leaving early, I thanked them for allowing me, a simple preacher, to just come, enjoy myself, play music with my friends and that I hadn't done that in almost 40 years. I then shook hands with "Chuck", the leader of the band and my friend, I then went over and shook hands with all the band members and thanked them for allowing me to join them. I left with a big smile on my face and joy inside. It felt good.
Sat. I once again do another funeral and Sunday, I do what I love to do best, is be the Pastor, in the pulpit preaching but, for a few minutes Tuesday evening, I sat down at those old 88 keys, and just "unwound for a while" with other fellow musicians and friends.
Replies
I\'m glad to hear you had a chance to relax! You definitely deserved that chance....you needed to feel wanted like that! I\'m happy to hear about your experience!!
Glad to hear you were able to relax a bit. You certainly did earn it.
That sounds like it was just what you needed....it is always good to be wanted.....and not to be in the sad surroundings of death so much....go where life is thriving!!! and what better way than with music. ....hugs, dale..brandon\'s mom
I\'M GLAD YOU WERE ABLE TO RELAX FOR A WHILE. YES TOO MANY FUNERALS THIS YEAR. I WISH I COULD HAVE HEARD YOU PLAY. I KNOW YOU MUST PLAY WITH SUCH HEART AND SOUL. MAY THE LORD GIVE YOU A BREAK FROM SUCH SORROW AND LIFT YOU UP ON HIS WINGS TO A WONDERFUL PLACE OF REST, JOY, AND HIS PEACE . lOVE, CONNIE