For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11)

Life for me seems to be filled with going places day and night. I long for a full day of staying home, doing nothing or only those things I want to do. I earnestly look for places where I can reduce my involvement in activities that keep me on the go. It is not easy.

Sometimes amid my hectic going and coming, I get myself into what Pastor Dan calls "a pity party." Just this week, while I was driving to play a concert with the Blawenburg Band was one of those times. Dinner had had to be prepared and gulped down in the late afternoon rather than at a more traditional time. Driving during rush-hour traffic on I-95 was not fun. This was the 18th concert I had played in eleven months plus all the Monday night rehearsals. As I drove along, I told myself the bassoon is not one of the most critical instrument in the band so the organization would not really suffer from my absence. It was my way of rationalizing that this was the time to really consider quitting the Band.

Then, I arrived at the retirement center where the evening's gig would take place. Of course, parking was a problem as most such type establishments have a hard time accommodating the 50-60 extra cars bringing band members to the location. But, finally I found one and made my way, with all my heavy gear, to the hall. I was feeling "down" to say the least.

The bassoon is somewhat eye catching and unknown to most people. So, even putting it together often results in questions from members of the audience. After putting it together that night, one lady called me over to talk. I was expecting the normal things - i.e., questions about the instrument. But, no, she wanted to tell me a story

She had heard the Blawenburg Band play at the center several times. It has made her wish she could play in a band. The band’s performances inspired her to buy herself a saxophone on her 94th birthday and begin to take lessons. On her 100th birthday, she played a small recital at the retirement center. She is continuing to take lessons on her sax. She simply wanted to ask me to let the band know how we had encouraged her to tackle a goal of importance to her!

Then, the man who introduced the band included in his remarks that the band had been playing yearly there 17 times and each time it made the residents feel good. As I left the center, I heard various residents commenting that indeed they do, and did that night, feel better after hearing us play.

The responses I experienced that night encouraged me to continue my commitment to the Band, play the six concerts already scheduled for the remainder of the year - knowing more will be scheduled in the fall and winter, and continue volunteering to play in an organization which brings music to so many facets of the community. And, I felt better too. My "pity party" was over and I had enjoyed playing the concert.

Oh Lord, thank you for people who provide encouragement – knowingly and unknowingly. Help me to provide encouragement for others. Amen.

Addemdum Note: After telling my conductor the lady's story, he invited her to set in next year and told her he would send her the music ahead of time if she would contact him via e-mail. And, several of the sax players spent a lot of time talking with her following the concert.

Contributed by Nancy
Monday August 3, 2015
Liturgical Year B: Week 36
Liturgical Color: Green
Sunday Gospel reading: Proper13
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost