Reflections from New England

So I’m sitting here tonight in my hotel room in Lexington, MA with every light turned off sipping on some Perrier water & munching on a bag of Skittles (don’t judge me…it’s the perfect post-show snack – hahaha). It’s quiet, & I’ve opened the blinds so I can watch December’s first New England snow-fall against the dark sky. It’s quite beautiful outside; so crisp, clean, new… It’s kinda the perfect picture to sit and reflect.

You see, I’m in the process of finishing up a pretty busy week. In fact, this may have been one of the busiest weeks I’ve had all year (& it’s been a whirlwind of a year). By this time tomorrow, I will have played for 7 different events in 5 days through 5 different states (TN, MA, CT, RI & NJ)…WHEW! Of course, after the show tomorrow night in Jersey, I get to travel to New York for a few days off. This will be my first trip to “The Big Apple” & it’s taken almost 31 years to get there…I can’t wait!!! However, for now, it’s nice to enjoy a quiet evening of simple reflexion.

So let’s reflect: If I’m being honest, 2009 has been a year of some amazing highs but at the same time discouraging lows. Now I know there will be people from all different walks of life that’ll read this but I’m sure many of you know what I’m talking about when I say “lows”. Despite the various specifics that surround our lives, I’m talking about those situations that make your stomach churn & your heart ache…those instances you feel that despite all your work & striving you still fall short. The kind of moments that, at times, make you question everything you know & trust. Those are hard seasons for anyone to walk through…& I’ve been there!

So what do we do in those seasons? Well, I remember a pastor once saying that most of our lives are meant to be lived in the valley yet oftentimes we fool ourselves into believing life is to be meant to be lived on top of the mountain. He went on to say that those “mountain top experiences” were God’s way of encouraging our souls along this journey of life. I love that image…an image where my God knows & cares enough about my daily situation to send deliberate moments of encouragement for my heart. I believe something like that can only be described as a glimpse of heaven.

Tonight, as I’m looking out on the freshly fallen snow, all I can think about is how much I feel blessed. I can say with full confidence that I’m resting on the mountain-top this evening. When my time here in New England comes to an end, I’ll be walking away blessed & overly encouraged by the people I’ve had the chance to meet &/or reconnect with; those who trust me enough to share their time and stories; those whom I lovingly refer to not as fans…but as friends, family…my brothers & sisters! I know God is purposeful in our lives. His love finds a way to each of our hearts…& most times it takes us completely by surprise.

In saying all this, I’m in no way deluded by that fact that the beautiful glow of this week’s experience will gradually fade into a memory; something I’m bound to sit with friends & reminisce fondly over. Surely just as gradual will be the inevitable journey back into the valley. However, as it comes, I’m resolved to face it without fear but with a renewed hope; hope in my fellow man but more importantly in my Heavenly Father. With 2010 is right around the corner, I can’t help but look forward to a new year & the chance at new beginnings…convinced more than ever that whether we’re seeking it intently or not… God’s love always finds a way to our hearts…

Blessings my friends -
Daniel
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LOVE ALWAYS FINDS A WAY
written by: D.Kirkley/S.Hart

Verse 1
Lying in bed and it’s raining
Can’t seem to open my eyes
Lately the world has been draining
All of the joy right on out of my life
But I got shake off these covers
I gotta put on my shoes
Walk in the rain with my head held high
Cause I know that you’re gonna come through

Chorus:
Yeah you’ll open the skies
And the sun’s gonna shine
Love always finds a way to me
Gonna reach through the dark
Put the light in my heart
Love always finds a way to me

Verse 2:
Maybe I don’t feel like dancing
Can’t keep my two feet in step
But I will keep moving in spite of myself
Cause I know you’re not through with me yet

Bridge:
My life ain’t easy
Cause this life ain’t easy
This world’s all together a mess
But since you for me
There’s nothing against me
Lord I could not make it unless