Suddenly someone threw a switch and the whole scenery of my daily life changed. It was just running and races (and work and family obviously) and then abruptly another layer was added to my already full – albeit somewhat dull – canvas. That layer is music!
First, there was the concert organized by our church youth. Nipun was very persistent and he and I did a number on piano and clarinet. I also had to sing… It is almost Christmas and therefore caroling. And though my singing voice isn’t very stable, it is strong and that is what caroling requires. So I dug up my list of carols and starting adding and organizing practices and places to sing.
Then Nipun wanted to record with my daughter singing instead of me (good thinking).
I also got a phone call from an old contact, Jasleen Aulakh, a Punjabi / Hindi singer. She wants the clarinet in a gig for a YouTube channel. So here I am at the makeshift studio waiting. Waiting. That is the one thing that recording in a studio means. But what do I know? I have now recorded exactly once.
Today the caroling will start. And on Friday, Saturday and Sunday we also have to go sing in the JW Marriott for half an hour.
It is refreshing to mingle with a different kind of crowd. A change is as good as a holiday. Although this change contains a lot of waiting. It is also good to be able to give something. I love giving. Like giving the microwave oven I got as a prize to someone who needs it. Or to give a moment of joy to the listeners of our music.
It is as if I feel more connected to my Friend when I do what He does. For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son (that’s Christmas!) so that those who believe in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. You cannot beat that for giving.
There is a Package under your tree this Christmas. Don’t leave it unopened. Believe! The baby born in Bethlehem became the Gift. He said: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
Have a blessed Christmas
Stephan
P.S. The publishing of this became later than I hoped so we have now finished one day of caroling. As usual, it goes so late into the night that it becomes a struggle to run in the morning. But tomorrow I have a 30k planned so it will have to happen.
Running with a Friend 