Procrastination is a beautiful thing...

I never seem to get much done when I have a lot of time in which to accomplish it. On the other hand, given a short time-frame, I can often get a ton of stuff done.

I guess I like pressure...?

Anyway, I'm supposed to be writing out my personal goals for my internship... and instead I'm checking other people's blogs, responding to e-mails, watching Leno (and Kev wearing Eagles green!). Can someone tell me what my "Spiritual Development Goal" is for my internship??

Last night was a surprisingly wonderful event - the dedication ceremony for the Fred Bock Institute for Music (which is part of the Brehm Center). I say "surprisingly" because, from what I knew of the plans, this was going to be more of a memorial to Fred Bock than a dedication of this institute. The lack of student involvement caused many a student to stay away from the event all-together, and I myself might have been one of them, had I not opened my big mouth... (I'll tell that story later)

Having been offered a seat in the choir which I really couldn't refuse, I briefly scanned the music that I was sent and begrudgingly gave up my day to rehearse for an event that seemed to have little to do with me - the supposed future of this institute. Trust me when I say that I was VERY bitter about this experience, and was emotionally ready for a fight most of the night.

Clay S. and Fred D. have been nothing but sweet about it. I am glad that I know them both well enough to know that I can be in my little "mood" without it affecting our friendships. During dinner they both asked for feedback and comments on the day so far... and I told them. Perhaps I could have been "nicer" or more positive - instead I was honest. The only students involved in the entire service were Michelle and I - and I had FOUGHT for those spots a few months ago. (The only other student involvement I witnessed was as ushers and clean-er-upers.) During the dedication itself, where all the "key people" and/or representatives were asked to come forward, no students were listed. Basically, to me, the event felt like a memorial of the past, not a celebration and dedication of the future. Zero representation of the actual people who are CURRENTLY a part of this institute.

Now, don't get me wrong, it was a wonderful plan... and Fred Bock seems like someone I would have loved to have met. I don't wish to imply that some retrospective about Fred wasn't necessary - since it is in his honor that this institute exists. Rather, I only wished to see some thought of the future...

And I got it.

In typical God fashion, I was humbled by His plan and care for me - even when I'm at my most obnoxious. The service was beautiful, students *were* invited to come forward, students were prayed for specifically - even called "cherished", and Lloyd Ogilvie brought the Word - and boy-oh-boy did he bring it!!

I was moved by his message, brought to tears by his passion for this program.... and reminded again of God's call in my life to work in the local church as a leader of worship. Thank you, Dr. Ogilvie, for understanding this work, articulating it better than I ever could, and preaching, PREACHING the Word.

The night I expected to endure only... became a wonderful memory and a real commisioning - not just of the Institute, but of us! Each person there should have gone home changed and challenged... I know I did.