I have only had two short business trips so far this year, and I know that will change in the coming months. But for now, I have been enjoying the many advantages of being in Rochester.
One of many reasons was made clear to me last night.
In the Advent season (and really for all of last Fall) I was traveling so much that I could not even think about participating in my church choir. I missed the chance to sing some very nice Advent and Christmas songs. Viewed optimistically, I did appreciate the chance I had to hear the choir (with Sherry in it) on the few Sunday mornings I was in town. I'd close my eyes during that part of the service and relish the chance to hear beautiful, meaningful music in a worship setting. I really did like that.
I like participating even more. We are in the approach to Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter now. And because I am not traveling, I have been able to rehearse some truly excellent pieces. Last night was the first of our extended rehearsals, and while I might have grumbled about a two-hour rehearsal at other times in my life, I loved every minute of it last night. Some of the reasons I loved it were the music, the steady work towards a suitably musical rendition, the people -- all the things that have been a part of every choir in which I've sung. Adding to those reasons, this year, is my appreciation that I am in town to sing!
Perhaps it's trite, but it's true: you never appreciate how much you love something until you don't have it anymore. And so the corollary is that you can appreciate something you love even more when you regain it. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" applies to more than romantic love.
I can't sing "Hallelujah" yet. But I'm getting ready. And it's a great feeling!
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