Regattas, Concerts, and Aging

Last weekend I turned 28 years old. Considering that some people haven't even lived that long, I feel kind of old...(and now in kind of morbid way on top of it all). I admit that life isn't as easy as I thought that it would be...but "such is life" I guess.

On my birthday I went to my girlfriend's sister's Regatta, which is what people call Crew Races. It was good. I got a little sunburned. My girlfriend tells me that the lake where the race was held has a resident Alligator. Hmm. Alligators and water sports, interesting combination. Well, my girlfriend's sister got 1st in one race and 2nd in another. I'm so proud. I wonder if they imagined an alligator chasing them...if not, that might be a good strategy to use. I know that a circumstance like that would make me paddle freakin fast...

Tomorrow night I'm playing a concert at the University of Florida. I'm excited, it'll be fun...concerts are always fun though, and I get to trade in my rainy Atlanta evironment for a weekend of Florida sun. Sweet. Check out my music site to read my concert journal to see how it was.

I think I have a new passion in my music, and it might have something to do with my aging. I can't describe it, but you can sort of sense it. I mean, look at the difference between...Eric Clapton and Britney Spears. Both might lament a song, but there is significant difference between the two. One's "hard knox" might come from losing a child, and the other's might come from...I don't know...kissing Madonna? Pop culture might be drawn to the lustful, bubble gummy, Britney with the nice belly button. But hearts are torn with the balladier who's heart is laid out for all to see. When it comes to depth, credibility is going to be given to the one weather-worn with callouses on his feet. Now, I say all this, not comparing myself to either of them in any way. My belly button can't compare with Britney's and my blues licks shadow in comparison to Clapton the blues icon. But I'm challenged as I enter another year, to lay my heart out there. To be honest in song, writing, and conversation.

An anonymous traditional prayer reads:
"O God, before whose face the generations rise and pass away: Age after age the living seek you and find that there is no end to your faithfulness. Our forbears in their pilgimages walked by your guidance and rested on your compassion. To their children you were the cloud by day and pillar by night. Where but in you have we shelter from the storm and shadow, from the heat of life? Take now the veil from every heart, and join us in one communion with your prophets and saints who have trusted in you and where not ashamed. Not because we merit it, but because of your mercy, hear our prayer."

Life is short. Nations rise and fall. The famous fall. The rich loose their money...eventually. I am but a grain of fiber in the puzzle of the big picture. I am but an utterance in the song of life...so sing I must. I'll sing loud, as long that I have breath to breathe.

"Lord, I pray that You would take now the veil from my heart, purify me, and remind me that I am Yours. Thank you that out of Your miraclulous love, You have chosen me before I had strength to choose You. I love You, Heavenly Father. Thank you for life. Amen."