As I was walking briskly through the rain today in my incredibly inadequate shoes, with no umbrella, I found myself feeling incredibly grateful for the warmth and comfort 99% of the time. I could not wait to walk through the lobby of my office building and shake off the city chill and the misty rain. Today’s weather adventures brought to mind a topic I have had many late night discussions about, read many articles about, and pondered often.

The lack of things highlights when we have them.The negative accentuates the positive.

I know this is nothing new, not even to me. Living as a Christian means constantly living in the tension of light and dark. As a musician and composer I have to always be aware of the power that comes from the release of tension either rhythmically, tonally, or in chordal relationships. This is where my thoughts led me this afternoon as I recalled my habit to get in a musical mode and stay there; missing the mark in telling the whole story. It is much easier to think about writing directly to evoke a certain emotion instead of the much more subtle way of gently leading the listener there. Going to a dark place makes the light that much more exhilarating.

I believe that my human nature shies away from the dark times then, it causes me to do the same when I compose. When I set on this long journey to hone the craft of composition I had no idea the places it would take me. It takes an incredible bravery that I so often lack, and that is even before a note is played for anyone else.

Oh to be brave…. or at least wear the right shoes.