Lyrical Lessons

"Shine in our hearts"

On the first Sunday of each month, Saint Michael's parish in Brownstown has a 9:30 A.M. mass. Saint Michael himself was a leader and revered as a defender in battle. Fittingly, this Johnstown parish has fought to stay in existence. A small army of faithful attend the weekly Saturday evening mass and the once-a-month Sunday service.

At the February Sunday mass, I defended against my two-year-old and sang the familiar hymn, Christ Be Our Light. As I sang and played defense, the phrase "shine in our hearts" beamed in my brain. I have lived most of my life in Johnstown and have been surrounded by good people. This four-word phrase captures a spiritual hope and on this morning, a communal rejoicing. It is a great hymn, but what elevates its greatness is the group singing together.

"We remember what we heard"

In fatherhood, I have rationalized many a time to stop at Mill House Cafe to get a coffee on the way to work. I could use the energy boost. It is cold. I am a new Dad. I have to drive 30 minutes to work. I deserve it. After I pick one of those reasons, a man named Dan fills a cup with joe and o'er the mountain I go.

After months of coffee conversation, I did not know much about Dan. On Tuesday night, Dan stepped out from behind the coffee bar and picked up a guitar. My wife and I joined a handful of others and listened to Dan go from latte maker to lyric writer. He crafts his own music and is inspired by his faith. My pregnant wife sunk deep into the Mill House red couch. One song in she decided she was going to get all three of Dan's CDs. She sipped on a dessert almond tea. She is in the third trimester. She gets whatever she wants.

I had no idea what Dan was going to sing. His message and music were a pleasant surprise. This Sunday we will listen to him play once more as Mill House launches a new concept - Sunday morning music and fellowship. "We remember what we heard" was one of Dan's lyrics. Simple and profound. I am grateful for all the people who have been a part of my life. You never know the impact you are going to have on someone else. I'll be at Mill House this Sunday for much more than the coffee.

Faith. Music. Johnstown.

Soon, I'll have one more daughter to defend against at Saint Michael's. One more reason to get that Mill House coffee. One more reason to be thankful.