Here's a Thought with Jay Daniels

It has been one heck of a fall semester at Shenandoah University. Here we are just one week away from being out for Christmas Break. Truly, it is hard to believe. One thing that I thankful for are those special people who serve as mentors. These are the people who freely share their knowledge in the hopes that it can better their pupils.  Typically, I show my appreciation through more private means. In this case, however, I feel that these two people need to be recognized for what they have done to make an impact on the lives of many at Shenandoah Conservatory.  I want to take a few moments to personally thank two teaching assistants in the voice division of Shenandoah -  Colin Johnson  and  Martina Bingham . I've known both of them for a little while, but this semester I've had the great honor and pleasure of working with their voice students - both in private and class lessons.  Let me say this about Colin and Martina. They are hard workers and hav...

Earlier tonight, I was speaking with one of my friends about getting to work with senior citizens. She used this adjective to describe her own work with these special people.  She called it "life-changing." I, myself, have had the honor of privilege of performing at several dozen retirement communities for the past few years. It's easy to look at it as a way of making a living. It's easy to look at it as a means of advancing ones career.  But ya know... there's a great reward in musically working with senior citizens.  Whenever I perform before an audience, I always look for their reactions to the music. It is awe-inspiring to look out and see the smiles, the laughs, and the tears that are vividly shown on the faces of the people. Behind each of those expressions are memories, stories, and a host of emotions.  The seniors often tell me how much my music is a blessing to them. Oh, but do they realize how much of a blessing their presence is to this perf...

Yesterday, we observed All Saints' Day at St. John's in Waynesboro. (While All Saints' Day was technically this past Wednesday, we observed it during Sunday service.)  For those unfamiliar with this occasion, it is a time to remember those "official" Saints (St. Paul, St. Matthew, St. Luke, etc.). Just as important, however, it is a time to remember those "unofficial" saints who have made a great spiritual impact upon our lives and those of others. Even though I have observed All Saints' Day for several years, it really has never had a profound meaning. That all changed yesterday. Our dear interim rector and priest,  Denise Guinta , invited us to join in a special remembrance of those dear saints who have passed into the next life. As we each walked forward toward the altar for communion, we lit a candle to remember a special "saint" in our lives. I lit two - one for my Granddad, Howard Seay, and one for my Grandma, Katherine Seay. ...

Friends, I was going to share something on All Saints' Day for this evening's writing, but after hearing the news from Texas... and really the news from other corners of the country... I felt that these words may be more fitting. My  thoughts  from All Saints' Day will come out tomorrow evening.  "Don't let noisy news distress you. Don't let the headline writers rain on your parade. My goodness, there's resiliency in this country we've not yet begun to use.  As Mark Twain is said to have said of the music of Richard Wagner, 'It's not nearly so bad as it sounds.'" -Paul Harvey Remarks on 9/11 Attacks Broadcast November 24th, 2001

Last night, a dear friend and I were having a conversation about communication. She recently was at a church board meeting when the issue of communication came up. Without going into details, she said these words in response to those who claimed there was a lack of communication at the church. I have found her words to be very wise and timely. "Communication is not just about talking or giving out information. It's a two-way street. It's not just about tal king, but more importantly, it's also about listening." Think on these words as you prepare for sleep tonight.  Take time in your life to simply listen.