I am so blessed

I’ve just returned from a gathering of friends and admirer’s…no…not of myself.

The gathering was for a man who has done more than anyone I know to promote independent musical artists locally in Grand Rapids. I don’t say he’s alone there are others, I know. But this man through three decades and through sheer zeal has I will submit done more to support and encourage as many as had the courage to pick up a guitar, stand over a keyboard, lay stick on drum, or create with any other instrument you might care to name, than anyone else I know.   If you’re willing to take your talent to an open mic night at a local pub or perform at any of Grand Rapids smaller venues, you have encountered this man.   Not only a tireless supporter of the musical arts he is a great songwriter and performer himself.  Today, we had a chance to show (in a small way) how much this person means to us.

We gathered to raise funds for this man’s medical treatments. Many of us got together to hear good music, dine, and drink, all for the cause. A couple of this person’s friends, familiar names to those up on the contemporary folk music scene came in to honor him, Peter Mulvey and Amy Speace. I came for the afternoon gathering, an evening one is to follow, tonight.

What a blessing it is to know such an incredibly selfless and generous man. Thank-you, Ralston Bowles for being a blessing to me, and to countless others.

May the Lord bless you using the same boundless measure you have used in blessing others. May his healing hand restore you.   May he give you peace.

Dorwin

Dream made real

I had the experience of a lifetime, last night. A longed for experience. An experience not like any other highpoint experience I’ve had, not simply because I’ve wanted it badly, and have now gotten it, but because I’ve desired it so long. A dream that had time enough to sink deep into my imagination; time enough to color with a hue all it’s own, the fabric of my life. Last night’s pleasure, enhanced by a concurrent thought I’d had alongside the dream, all these years, the thought that: “I may never know the fulfillment of my dream.” Imagine friend, to know the culmination of fantasy, while at the same moment watching hopelessness turn into it’s opposite, and then into joy! If last night’s experience were merely the realization of some intense yet momentary desire, one I’d only recently acquired, it would have been satisfying, but couldn’t possibly compare to drinking deeply of a dream fully ripened and finely aged. Last night’s inhaled draught was of just such a vintage. I don’t speak of anything profane or prurient, my experience was not physical, though it touched my senses. It was a caress of spirit, a lifting of heart, like nothing else I’ve known. Few things apart from worship itself, have ever ushered me into the presence of God. Last night’s experience had me dance with the Divine. I know a contentment I never knew possible.

I hesitate to name the experience as it would not be the same for you (most likely) were you to have it, and that being true, you would not understand how I could feel the way I do about what I’ve experienced; and worse you may disparage or even belittle my ecstasy as trivial, if not openly to me, then privately to yourself. So let me say only that I hope you realize some long held, tremblingly hoped for dream in your life, and when you do may it bring you joy, fulfilling joy!

Silent prayer

To touch a hand in it’s hour of need, to hold a sorrow filled face in your hands, to look lovingly into tear filled eyes, knowing no word will suffice, is to know the true meaning of compassion.