Linear Lines

As I sat at my sweet Selah's Winter Concert (she plays clarinet, guitar and sings), I started to stare off.  Well, not just "off."  It was more like a 'gaze' of sorts.  I was watching them play (actually, it was the high school band playing because i would NEVER gaze off when my child was playing!!), and I just started to gaze.....and think.  Wasn't it just a couple years ago when I was in 7th grade and providing concerts?  No, really.... it was.

I counted the time with my left foot mostly.  And for technique's sake, just so you know, the balls of my feet stay on the floor while I keep time with a rhythmic lift and tap, lift and tap, of my heel.  And when I am listening to something that moves me, to this day, I fall into a 'sway.'

I only made 4th chair for 4+ years of clarinet.  Not surprising to anyone who might know me.  Jack of All Trades, Master of None.  I enjoyed playing, don't get me wrong.  My band instructor was pleased with me because he could throw me into the flute or french horn, or sax....but I was never great at any of them.  

Either way, watching the music director tonight took me back to my chair (fourth from the end), back to the keeping of 3/4, 4/4, 1/2 time, back to Mr. Combs (band instructor) and Mr. Peterson (affectionately known as "Mr. Pete," to his happy students.)  I was taken back to a  junior high schedule that included Concert Choir, Concert Band, Girls Glee and the illustrious, elite, "Madrigals," which I auditioned for and made as an 8th grader, when most only made it as a freshman.  (OK.... I have to admit that I probably only made it so early because of my older brother who was a GOD to Mr. Pete.  But still, I loved my time as a Soprano I in Madrigals.)

Today I took the leap and changed my FaceBook page to it's new, "Time Line."  What does my junior high band-playing days have to do with accepting the new FaceBook change?  Well, I, as a linear person LOVE the idea of a timeline record of my life.  That is actually how I remember my life; as a timeline.  I just don't remember all of it as nicely as I would like.  I am hoping Facebook will help with that to some degree.

The biggest question as I 'gaze' off:  "What will I show for this time I have on earth?"  So what if I can look back at band class, or my work history, or where I've lived...?  Have I been productive?  Have I contributed to society and the lives of those around me?  Have I done with my life what God wanted me to do?  Have I wasted God's time?  Will Facebook's Timeline be able to record that?  (well, i am not counting on that....)

Can I keep this question before me to remind me to make every day count?