Together. Or, Apart

This is the long-awaited "moving weekend" for me.  YAY!!!!

At this very moment, I am unpacking. There is no more imaginable joy than being able to live close to my daughter, her husband, and my grandkids. As I say goodbye to Ohio friends, I’m also hoping to say hello to family and friends left behind 5 years ago.  

Meanwhile, I thought I’d prepare this article in advance. That, however, means that I’m going to lay the meat of the concept squarely on your shoulders today.

I have two videos for you to watch.  They are each over 3 minutes long. And I’m going to ask you to listen to them - in order.

Ready?

Paul McCarney – “Hello, Goodbye” (bass isolated)

Listen to this in its entirety. You will, I think, find it difficult but stick with it to the end.

Then, listen to The Beatles, “Hello, Goodbye”

You’ll enjoy this one much better, I’m sure.

The Exercise:

While you’re sitting back remembering times past, listen closely for the bass in the background of the second video. What was so incredibly boring and uninteresting in the first video adds much to the final product.  At least, I think so. 

Maybe it seems like a pointless exercise. So, why then?

There are two ways to look at this.

1. You are the "bass" of your human interactions. You might think you’re boring, but you add much to the conversation if you’re not overwhelming the other parts. You might think that you’ve got nothing to contribute, but for someone listening in, the possibilities are endless, and you are right there with everyone else. Everyone’s opinion counts – even yours. That becomes the music of conversation.
2. You are not the "bass" in your human interactions. You are the melody speaking to everyone around you.  You can get into someone’s head and not let go!  (You know that’s true). By design, you will be the center of attention every time. People will carry your tune wherever they go. But you will never be as good as when everyone recognizes and listens to all the parts - together, including the bass.  If parts are missing, you will soon begin to sound more and more like the first video.

May we live wisely with our brothers and sisters.

"Live in harmony with one another. 

Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low positions. 

Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. 

Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good."

Romans 12:16-21

If you’re a glutton for punishment, pick any of your favorite pieces of music. Listen with a critical ear to hear each unique contribution. Sit back with a cup of coffee and just close your eyes in joy.

And then take that to the street with you in everyday conversations. Listen carefully and hear each part. Consider how each voice can make life fuller, more lively, more interesting, and more loving.

From beautiful Manchester, in the northeast corner of Iowa, I send peace and happiness to you and your families!