“Sabbatical” – Piano Instrumental Interlude for Prayer, Meditation, Relaxation

Dear friends,

I’m back. In case you didn’t notice, I haven’t released a new recording of my interludes through this “Worship Interludes Podcast” in nearly two full months. I basically took the entire Summer off. It was not planned. And although I’m calling this interlude “Sabbatical” – I can’t say I really took a true sabbatical. I did, however, give myself permission to hit pause on the producing of these interludes.

I’ve been transparent over the past year about my struggling to stay motivated. I’ve asked myself if the grace to continue these interludes is gone. Truthfully, I didn’t receive a single comment or message in two months asking about the absence of music. This only reinforced my questions about whether or not this process was continuing to bring value to the world.

Then I remembered something that is profoundly important. I remembered that the primary reason for sitting down in my studio and expressing myself in worship, prayer, and meditation through the playing of my instrument … it’s mostly for me. It’s for my soul. It’s for my mental, emotional, and physical health. Finally, it’s for my Maker. It’s a sacrifice of worship. I reminded myself that even if these episodes were never published into a podcast … even if they were never heard by another person … there is value in them.

The past couple of weeks have been tough. Here we thought that we were beyond this pandemic yet COVID comes back stronger than before and is wreaking havoc on many of the people that we love. The disease is awful but what it has done to our society is far worse. Whether it’s a debate about masks or vaccines, everyone is so polarized and strife is everywhere. I tend to spend too much time on social media and it only darkens my soul further. Compound this with political division that seemingly runs deeper than ever before … the amount of hostility, hate, strife, and stress is completely out of control.

That’s why I play. That’s why I record.And that’s why I share.To provide a safe space, a retreat … a “sabbatical” from the noise.

Join with me in prayer for our nation, our world, and all of God’s creation. Let’s join together and be a part of the solution to bring peace, unity, and hope. Let’s choose to press deeper into the Spirit, and walk away from foolish arguments and contentions that bring no value to this place we call home.

Shall we?

Grace and peace,Fred

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