Recently I have been reading the words of an inspiring author, Parker Palmer. He is an educator (as am I) who has a unique ability to concisely apply Christian principles to career and life. When I read his book “The Courage To Teach” I was amazed at his understanding of the problems in public education and his ability to cut through the rhetoric to offer true solutions. His understanding and solutions are based on concepts he often refers to as “Habits of the Heart” and “Standing in the Tragic Gap”. While his own words best describe what he wishes to share I mention him here on this Blog because I have found such comfort in the past year through his words. The quote below is an example of his insight. From the above mentioned book he defines “vocation” as the work that brings true meaning to ones life.
“In a culture that sometimes equates work with suffering, it is revolutionary to
suggest that the best inward sign of vocation is deep gladness – revolutionary but true.
If a work is mine to do, it will make me glad over the long haul, despite the difficult days.
Even the difficult days will unltimately gladden me, because they pose the kinds of
problems that can help me grow in a work that is truley mine.”
“The Courage To Teach”, Parker J. Palmer, pg. 31
Parker is now turning his attention to a new book dealing with the state of our country which will be entitle “The Politics Of The Brokenhearted”. I recently read an essay by him entitle the same, which I believe has inspired him to expand on the subject.
“Standing in the Tragic Gap
Finding inner peace requires us to hold perhaps the most subtle and yet
most difficult tension of all: the tension between reality and possibility. I
have come to think of this as “standing in the tragic gap,” the gap between
our knowledge of what is and our knowledge of what might be. If
we find ourselves unable to stand in that place, we will be pulled to one
side or the other, toward the paralyzing cynicism that too much “reality”
can breed or toward the wistful and irrelevant idealism that is bred by too
much “possibility.”
“The Politics of the Brokenhearted”, Parker J. Palmer, pg. 254
Now the question you may ask yourself is why have I approached this subject on this Blog? Because I am learning to understand my own heart better with the help of Parker Palmer and would like to encourage others to do the same. As a music director and worship leader I deal often with trying to please people with selections of music that hopefully enhance their worship experience on Sunday. While I believe I have accomplished and continue to accomplish this noble goal I find myself more often than I would prefer struggling with those who silently and sometimes audibly disapprove of my music selections or the decisions I make about our music ministry. There is always the conflict between “Contemporary” and “Traditional” and yet these are terms that a so vague they can barely be taken within context without further explanation of what one really means when they use those terms. This subject was lightly addressed on this Blog with an entry made on November 17, 2009. In that article it was made clear that “Traditional” and “Contemporary” worship music means something different to our generation and those before us. I have long held the belief that a positive worship experience shares music that enhances each person’s time with our Lord and Savior by offering music from multiple styles and generation preferences. I still believe that as we participate in any worship experience we best emulate the desire of our God by sharing what we know with others and talking with those with whom we do not understand. This message comes from my heart and I believe is the message Parker Palmer is trying to share as well, throughout the many facets of life we all face day to day.
In His Name,
Jerry Westerman
Director of Music Ministry
First Presbyterian Church
