Humbug. I'm stuck in an apartment with water coming through the ceiling. And yet I'm thankful that my biggest problem is that the roof over my head leaks every now and then.

i'm so thankful that so many things are coming together from all directions to unite perfect art and perfect faith--in our lifetimes we pray--throughout the world.

The unique opportunity and privilege we all have to contribute to the liturgy on glorious days like today. It is the summit of all we do. And the moments of reflection afforded me today - to think of the infant Lord and his gift of light to us all. And today I see Christ's peace and light reflected in the eyes of my son - who is, PRAISE GOD, here today after six months of battling cancer. I learn so much from him. I am in awe of him.

AOZ, I had no idea. God bless you, your boy and your family. I knew that you had a radiant light that bounced through Christ's prism while on Tabor eminating from within you when I first met you in person.
Thanks to you and MJB for providing me the impetus to make the drive to San Diego! I'll try to be a good boy. And I'm unbelievably thankful that the room rate at the Old Town Inn won't crash my monthly credit card debt!
And I'm thankful everytime I chant His praises.

I think the thing I am most thankful for is the realization that ours is a position of service. Church music is not the place for divas or show-offs. Neither is it the place for musicians whose personal lives are a scandal, or whose temperamental behavior is anything but Christian toward others. Yet, I have seen churches put up with such, and have no idea why they did. Anyone can be replaced, and someone more desirable is always out there looking for a job. And no, I don't always agree completely with posts on this forum. My own objectives sometimes differ in style, more than substance from what's presented here. Yet, I am thankful for the exchange of ideas here and the good intentions of the posters toward restoring music that is sacred to the liturgy. It's a privilege to serve in a holy place and offer worship to the uncreated Trinity. That's what I have to keep in mind. Church music is not about me.

I agree, in principle. It's the extremes of behavior I was referring to. For example, one of my predecessors - a top notch musician by the way - would throw hymnals at choir members who sang wrong notes. Even our Lord would likely not have put up with that! There have been quite a few folks I have encountered who wont have anything to do with church music after encounters with musicians - most likely ones that shouldn't have been hired to begin with. I do believe that when you go into fields like church music and education, certain standards of behavior come with the job. In these fields, great damage can be done to others by bad example. Christ also mentions the penalty that goes with leading others astray, and the effects of unacceptable behavior would certainly be a part of that. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve, but I believe it's important to have some humility along with Christian behavior. Divas should stay away from church music. The church is not a stage for large egos. Now if we could get that across to some of the priests. ;-)

Oh, I know! That would result in a great amen heard all the way to heaven. Our former assistant pastor remarked that I was not a terror to get along with like the organist in his former parish. Perhaps I am just older and have gotten past all that. But it seems to me that one fall, hitting one's head the right - or wrong - way, and all the musical ability could be gone in an instant. Perhaps it's good to be a bit humble and not get too full of oneself. What's the old monastic expression, "all is vanity?"