Resonant

Last night, we were attending a charity auction to support the United Church of God's "Good Works" program. The proceeds of the auction went to sponsor the education of children in east Africa, and it was a wonderful evening. Along with the auction, we were entertained by students of the church's Ambassador Bible Center.

It was during one of these--a song accomanied by piano--that I noticed that the snare drum up in the stage area was vibrating with the sound coming from the piano. Though the two instruments were separated by a little distance, they were close enough that the music from one moved the other to sound as well.

At first, I only thought of the logistics of musical instruments, of unintentional accompaniment that would have benefited from a little more space between drum and piano. But then, I thought about human resonance and how sensitive we are to the things we are near. What are the things in my environment that vibrate my heart and my emotions, that resonate in my actions?

I find it true that we will in some way hum along with whatever "tune" we are nearest. When I had a close friend who used shocking language, for example, it was very hard not to think in those words myself. Those who are in perpetual bad moods pull my mood to the flat side, too. The only way to make sure that I stay on my chosen pitch is to pull myself closer to the things and the people that are in tune with the things that I profess to hold dear.

And of course, for me, that has to start with God. Am I drawing closer to Him? Am I setting myself free to sing the song that He would give me? Or am I belting out something else and edging away, uncomfortable with the resonance?

Oops and oops and YAY

Sorry for my html fail of earlier this morning...apparently I need to proofread things. Who knew?

Anyway, this morning I was planning to greet the children in one of the languages of Ghana (thanks, ladygoat's husband!). So I chose this shirt that--when I put it on--seemed sort of tribal and Africa-esque. Browns and creams and whites and oranges, lively but professional, some chunky jewelry.

Only then I got to work and saw myself in a mirror and all I could think of was disco. Because, seriously, rust and brown and beige. Wide lapels. All I needed was some kickin' platforms. Still, I looked awesome. Dated, but awesome.

And then, then, do you know what I did today? Today I did library work. For two solid hours. I had no kindergarten and I had no Math Lab...I repaired books. I put books away. I sorted through some of the past lesson plans. I cleaned off my desk. I recycled some old catalogs and mail. Oh, it was so good. So peaceful. So nice to just do what I know how to do well. Bliss.