Here's a Thought with Jay Daniels

As we go through life, we run across so many people who ask, "What can you do for me?" Yet, we're often blessed to find those who ask "What can I do for you?" You know these people. They are the selfless givers - the ones who invest the time in others and often without thanks. Earlier today in class, we discussed the effects of homelessness on students in school. I couldn't help but think of the work that dear friends like Susan Richardson and others are d oing at the Valley Mission in Staunton, VA. They give without want for recognition or glorification. Each day, they look after dozens of men, women, and children living under their roof on W. Beverley Street.  I still remember visiting the Mission for the first time a few years ago. I had never been to a "shelter" before and was astonished to see multiple families living under its roof. Yet, the children were especially happy and making the best out of a difficult situation.  We often hav...

In my earlier posts, I talked about people who want to be a positive influence in this world. As we move into February, I'm going to try and highlight at least one person in my  Closing Thoughts  each night. This person may be a close friend or just someone who has made an impact on my life. While you read these  thoughts , think about someone who has come across your path. Who has made a difference in your life? It was Thanksgiving 2015. I was on my back home  to Stuarts Draft from a performance in Washington. While most families were enjoying dinner at home, I decided to make a stop at the Arby's in the Love's Travel Stop near Toms Brook, VA. Working the evening shift that night was Elaina. Every bit of 4'11", she is the cheerful lady that greets you at the counter. Full of joy, she brings smiles to everyone around her, myself included. After I ordered, I asked her, "I hope that you were able to spend some time with your family today, Elaina." Sh...

"As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God." -Psalm 40:17 "How's your faith?" Speaking about our faith traditions can be a touchy subject for some folks. Yet, for me, it often brings about some of the most thought-provoking discussions that I can remember. And what's even more thought-provoking is how these discussions come about. I cannot count the number of times that a conversation has circled around to faith during my time at Shenandoah. I have found similar and dissimilar viewpoints to my own. Yet in each of those conversations, I found that I was always able to learn something about my own faith beliefs than I realized before. Funny how that works, isn't it? Let's face it, folks. We tend to rely on our faith more during the times of struggle and strife than we do during the times of joy and jubilation. It is when we seemingly have nowhere else to turn that ...

Last night, I had a most wonderful conversation about how many of our musical memories revolve around particular experiences. Think about it for a moment. You can generally remember where you were when you heard a certain song... a song that has remained with you for many years. Maybe that's what most modern pop songs are lacking - a connection and a heartfelt message. Tonight at Luther Crest in Allentown, I shared this idea of musical listening as a genui ne "experience," rather than something happening in the background. What makes certain songs more special than others? The answer is probably different for each of us.  Let me share one such story with you. Tonight's program at Luther Crest centered around songs written by Jerome Kern - "All the Things You Are," "They Didn't Believe Me," "The Way You Look Tonight," and "A Fine Romance." But it was the  closing song that brought about a great story.  At the end ...

"And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful." -Revelation 21:5 St. John wrote those words in Revelation during his exile on the Isle of Patmos. The One upon the throne, of course, is God. It is an awe-inspiring thing to consider all of the intricacies within God's plan. So many stories have yet to unfold. What does the future look like for each of us? Yesterday was our first Sunday in a transition period at St. John's Episcopal in Waynesboro. You see, our beloved Father Kim accepted the call at St. Matthew's in Charleston, WV. His last Sunday at St. John's was New Year's Day.  I remember when Kim first told me the news on the phone. He said, "There's going to have be some soul searching. People are going to have to ask themselves why they attend St. John's. Are they attending because of Father Kim, or are they attending because that is their h...