I just had coffee with a friend who said to me, “Don’t you wish Albany would become the next Seattle?†This was the second time this week I heard that exact question from someone. It seems many of us would like to see the Albany/Troy area become creative, progressive and influential. That’s not a bad thing, especially for those who want influence for missional purposes.
Yet, I think to myself, am I doing anything to see that come to pass? Am I stepping out as a Christ-follower and influencing the culture? Terra Nova was created for the purpose of culture-shaping, yet when I’m in a worship experience on Sunday night, or sitting at a table at the Taproom afterwards, enjoying Brown’s wonderful Oatmeal Stout, it is so easy for me to think, “This is what it’s all about.…..just us enjoying our little community. Let’s stay here in the village for ever…â€. What a failure Terra would be if 5 years from now, we are still in the village and have influenced no one but each other.
-Are you a photographer? Go out and show your stuff.
-Are you a songwriter? Stop spending 3 nights a week in 3 different small group Bible studies and go to an open mic.
-Are you in a band? Stop playing only the church coffeehouses and play in a local club.
-Are you a parent?
Stop only spending all your time in “Growing Kids†classes and join the local PTA.
I know it’s a risk. I feel much more nervous standing up in front of 50 people at The Daily Grind, playing a song Patty and I wrote, than leading worship in front of 500 people. I know there is grace at Christian events and I know the bar of excellence is lower. Will I be accepted in the culture? Will I be rejected? There’s only one way to find out……
If you see the leadership of Terra getting to the place where we have you so busy at church events, that you have no time to live life in your neighborhood, school, or arts community, please let us know. It’s time to be salt and light. It’s intimidating, but we’re in it together. Fresh ground……..
Yeah, I miss the few times this summer when I went out to the Daily Grind with friends. I think my husband is working on a few songs for open mic. Maybe I should ask him how he’s coming along with that….
As far as stepping out with my own stuff… I think I’m just scared. I’ve created a few art pieces that were well received by the Christian community (well, actually, it did get it’s share of “that seems dark” kind of comments), but what would the real world think? Is it good enough? Will it make sense? Will it cause someone to run away from Christ instead of being drawn to Him? I wonder. And I guess I could keep wondering, or I could do something about it…
With the lovely snowfall the day after Thanksgiving, I was thinking of Christmas parties and gathering with friends. And I don’t see anything wrong with surrounding yourself with people you love to be around and who have a positive impact on your life. But I suppose I best make an effort to have room for connecting with others. Of course, we’ll go to the company Christmas party. Perhaps instead of hosting a gathering of our closest friends I might consider an open house and invite some families that we know from our kids’ schools. Yes, even the ones who my son just told that he doesn’t believe that Santa is a real person. (Talks with understanding moms left the relationships in tact.)And I’ll be sure to set out the singing and dancing Santa.
All that to say. I’m really glad that I live in Albany. I’m glad God put me here. And I really want to make a difference. I hope I follow through.
Well put hjk
well put lb
i’m convicted.
i always run to the excuses that come so easy for me to fall back on. “i’ll focus on song writing when i get a better guitar”, “when the kids are older and i have more free time”, “when i feel closer to christ and am able to produce songs that edify others”…but like hjk clarified so succinctly, i think i’m just downright scared. fear of rejection is an incredible and very real thing.
thanks for the exhortation, swomer.
I’ve been seeing advertisements on TV and billboards about the STROLL in Troy that’s happening this Sunday from 11am until 5pm. Does anyone know what this is?
hjk,
the word on the street is that it’s the 23rd annual troy victorian stroll. i heard about the event a couple weeks ago when my husband and i were on a date at the flavour cafe & lounge on 4th st. in troy. here’s a link with more info: http://www.troyvictorianstroll.com
(cut and paste it into your browser)
it sounds like fun…cold fun, much of it is outdoors, but you can stop into the flavour cafe where you can purchase a .23 cent cup of small coffee and a dr. pepper or cinnabon flavored tube of lip chap.
I agree. I think music in general could bring the region together, both in Albany and outlying areas. More Coffeehouses in downtown Albany, Troy, and up into Bennington, VT would be a excellent alternative to bars, and a great way to socialize.
Dave