[hal]

I just got back about an hour ago. I play guitar at a church in the morning and play guitar/sing/run the service in the evening.

Some weeks everything works and some it's not what I want it to be musically. But I'm on two teams with dedicated players that play well and love being there. One of those teams I put together myself and I feel great knowing that we are playing music for a great set of reasons.

For me church playing has a lot of ups and downs. Reading some of the posts here reminds me that I'm not alone. A lot of you have experienced lack of support and appreciation, misguided leadership and fights over the type and tone of worship. It can be as trying the corporate world I work in during the week. I just got some news tonight that reminds me this is unfortunately true.

But at the end of every Sunday night, I feel good about the work I'm doing. I know we are reaching people. If we help one person walk a better path, we have done well. I try not to let the tribulations get to me. And I plan to keep doing this. I'm not digging a ditch--I don't live in a society that would oppress or persecute me. I have the opportunity to help people with music. This is a great reward. And I believe it will comeback tenfold.

I just read that and it sure sounded heavy. SO--in the worlds of Sgt Hulka in Stripes I'm telling myself--"lighten up Frances." And to all of ya'l-keep up the good work. Share your tribulations and successes here. I plan to.