In Boston, there are several great music conservatories and universities. One of the perks that goes with that is the concerts that students and faculty perform. And of those, plenty are free concerts and recitals as part of the program of studies. Being very short on resources, I like to stop by once in a while to listen to recitals. I get to support the students and hear great music, while also meeting interesting people.
A few years ago I was at a recital by a faculty member. At the intermission, I got chatting with the man sitting next to me. He was a very tall and well-dressed man, probably in his 60’s. He explained that he was a faculty member at another music university nearby, and the performer was a friend. Then, he asked about me.
I said, “Well, I just like to come by for the recitals every once and a while, to listen to really good music and support the students and the school.” He began to explain that there was a man who used to come to the recitals at his university for years, just like I was doing. He said that no one ever knew the man, but he seemed to always show up and listen quietly and then leave. After about 30 years of this the man passed away, and to everyone’s surprise, he left $7 million dollars to the university.
He then paused and looked at me and said, “Maybe some day you’ll do something like that.” I looked at him and said, “Yeah, just take off 6 of those zeroes, and it’s a deal.”
When you create art that comes from your authenticity, you never know when, how much, and from who you’ll receive what you need to keep yourself going. You can’t budget people’s reception and response. You step out into a risky path, where the future is unknown.
You have to believe.
Religion can be a safe and comfortable place for us. But Jesus calls us out to eternal life and unspeakable joys and satisfaction. To the realm of authenticity. But that means opening our doors so others can see what our authentic passion really is. It means following a path where you don’t know when nor how you’ll keep yourself going. It is a risky path and the future is unknown. To be a disciple of Jesus, you get to enter into the most satisfying life you can have. There is only requirement necessary.
You have to believe.
“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, not knowing where he was to go. By faith he sojourned in the promised land as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise.” (Heb 11:8-9)
ALM 