Pursuing our Passion…

An old friend recently sent me this picture from 1975! Wow…are you kidding me? This picture is older than most of my musicians on my worship team! First of all I want to kick myself for selling that drum kit. It was a 1960 Pink Champagne Ludwig Classic…sigh! I have been able to re-connect with some great musician friends these past couple of years. I have played in bands since I was 13 years old. Oh…some of the names make me smile but the memories are cherished in my heart. There was Neon War, Mantle Tree Iron, Easy Street, Leo Star, Hand Picked, Aslan,(dark period…sold my Ludwig Octo-plus Vista-lite kit for our 1st car…hated that car) The Classics, RoxnRoll, Jericho Road, Spirit Wind, Soulcraft. I’ve been able to sit in and play with some of the greatest musicians just for fun and for pay. Some have been able to move on and get “the break” and others are still playing for the passion that burns deep in their souls. One of my friends said he was glad to see I was still playing and that he can’t stop either. It’s not about “making it” for him. Why do we still play? It’s not about “making it”… It “makes us”. It is what we were designed to do. Just like a carpenter makes furniture, musicians make music. That picture is 36 years old and I still remember that gig. There were some great memories, funny stories, some difficult times, and some “Behind the Music” moments as well. I still have that tambourine in front of the kick drum. I am still as passionate about playing and singing as I was in 1975. Are you passionate about something? Don’t ignore that tug. Don’t think you have to grow out of it. Pursue it, dream it, live it, learn it and let it make you! I am excited about sharing some ideas I have mulling around in my head about some collaborative efforts for musicians in the Rochester area…later……..Ric