All that Jazz

As I sat inside Steamers, a local jazz club, and listened to these amazing artists play for our relaxation and enjoyment, I couldn't help but be struck by how unassuming they were. They would not stick out in a crowd, or strike you at first impression as highly gifted people. Most were homely in appearance and poorly dressed. But what came off that small stage was purely musical genius. I wonder if sometimes the unassuming ones of this world hold such hidden beauty that we become poorer for missing them. What I am thinking is that which is of value, worthwhile and gifted is not always wrapped in the package we are most comfortable with. Ben Stein, a Jewish actor set out a few years ago to take on this issue in the scientific community through a documentary. The issue was that non-religious scientists and college administrators become so over-zealous in their quest for separation of church and state, that they were eliminating opportunities and jobs of those who believed in intelligent design. They were uncomfortable with those who did not "package" scientific data the exact way they did, so they removed them from the scene. No debate, no science credibility to anything other than evolutionary explanations. The beauty of Intelligent Design discussion was lost from the platform, and the masses became poorer for it. What is so threatening about a little healthy banter and debate? Letting people reach their own conclusions on what is truth is at the very center of free will. Our role is to be firm and narrow on the non-negotiables, and gracious and wide on the things that pertain to personal perspective and opinion. I am all things to all men in order that I may win some. A ministry that has breadth along with theological depth has figured out this delicate balance. What are some non-negotiables: God is God, He created everything, He saves. What are some non-essentials: Style, taste, preferences, opinions. If true beauty and value is lost because of our constant commitment to what is comfortable to us, then we ought to spend more time with people who live outside of our compact, insulated little world. Jazz anyone?

Let it end....

I went to the U2 concert at the Rose Bowl with my wife Angie a few months ago, and sat there pondering. I am 39 years old, and 25 years after becoming a U2 fan, something of a dream come true was occurring right there in that packed out stadium. I had never seen them live, but quietly wished I would get there someday. However, the thrill was overtaken with a sense of deep satisfaction of knowing that I didn't need to do this again. I savored each moment with my best friend there, and knew in my heart it wouldn't get better than this moment. There was a sense of closure, as if I was now vindicated or freed to accomplish something else now. Certainly something far more thrilling and important than supporting a group (although the best in my opinion) of 50 year old men screaming their souls into a gigantic speaker system. What a rush, but I'm over it..... I mused on the thought of diminishing returns, and that all great things come to an end. So I raise the thought... Are we able to celebrate and savor the ends like we do the beginnings? Can a deep sense of satisfaction overcome us in times when we know that the thrill is going, going, gone? I am really not a nostalgic person, but I do see the past having rich meaning and purpose for occasional reflection. At a funeral for a friend recently I mused again on this thought. Am I sad, yet satisfied at such a perfect ending of a great life lived? Do I look for the next ending around the bend with dread or a sense of curious anticipation? Let it end...and begin again....