Pressing On

Hey Family, this morning, church was wonderful. Pastor Joey's message was deep. He discussed how our personal faith is a private matter. You've got as much right to ask me if I've been saved as I have to ask how much money you make. You can probably guess, no alter calls at our church. I know for a fact that I'm loved and I'm trying to get right with Christ. Life is still challenging and exhausting, but the reward is greater for the effort.

Today during worship, I sang Pressing On from Dylan's 1980 LP Saved. This evening, I bought the whole disc (thanks Jackie & Medardo, it's a Birthday present!) from iTunes. It's an underrated work. I prefer it to Slow Train Coming, Dylan's first born-again record. I'm digging the title track, What Can I Do For You? and Solid Rock, particularly. This lyric hits me in the breadbasket:

I know all about poison, I know all about fiery darts
I don't care how rough the road is, show me where it starts
Whatever pleases You, tell it to my heart.
Well, I don't deserve it but I sure did make it through.
What can I do for You?
Copyright ©1980 Special Rider Music

Pressing On first made an impression on me when I saw Todd Haynes' Dylan-approved Sci-fi-non-biopic I'm Not There. In it, John Doe does a vocal that Christian Bale mimes. A wonderful, life-altering performance. I give Bale credit (he can sing, but he didn't for this movie) for a truly believable moment. For all of those giving him grief, I give him props. I think Christian is quite an artist. Prior to that, I had not heard much of Dylan's music from the period. This number, though, I point to as a watershed in my journey.

I'll be doing the song again for Wesley School's chapel in the AM. My new guitar rang clearly and true in the sanctuary. All for God's glory. I'm looking forward to the privilege of playing for Him tomorrow. It's funny how this musical career is being steered. I love the venue and I really love playing for my audience of Three-In-One.

Coming up: A reprise of Take Me To The River at the end of the month. Pastor Joey has also put in a request for Dylan's What Was It You Wanted? for Palm Sunday. Got my work cut out for me. And then I'll open the Sign "O" The Times songbook for my 8:15 on March 15 & Easter. I know in some traditions, Lent is a time to give things up. I see Lent as a time to take things ON.

But right now, it's time for rest.

Love & Peace