Monday Morning Musing: More Music

When I was in college I loved going home with my friend Nisa for the weekend. Her larger than life family was full of love and laughter enough to go around. I was at their house when I watched the "miracle on ice" hockey game in 1980 sprawled out in their living room. I ate delicious foods at their table and on occasion worshiped with them at the Orthodox Church. Their home was also where I was introduced to contemporary Christian music, specifically Amy Grant. I recall hearing her album played (on cassette tape!) and thinking that this was highly relatable music in a genre I'd not been exposed to before.

Today some beloveds gifted us with tickets to see Amy Grant in concert right here in Olympia. When we presented our tickets the usher commented that we had some of the best seats in the house. And she was right. I could see Amy Grant's eyes sparkle as she sang her oldest songs and did some really nice covers; I could see that she was an accomplished guitarist and that the people in her band were having a great time. And she's basically my age. She doesn't pretend to be what she isn't and she shared faith and fun and familiarity with a sold out house.

In addition to thoroughly enjoying the concert, I couldn't stop thinking about the arc that ran from my college friend to these very new friends and how grateful I am for them all. I suppose after living through a lot since I first heard that cassette tape in Nisa's living room while her mom sang along, I'm inclined to think about the very real gift of friendship a little longer.

The audience was certainly older, but not exclusively so. There were teenagers there, too, and one 30-something year old super fan who had crafted dance moves to every song. He had a front row seat, but when he needed more room he just danced in the aisle. You go, buddy. Life is too short not to dance.

I was surprised that El Shaddai was the song that I enjoyed the most. Here's a clip of her singing it I found on You Tube.