Ears Wide Open

The husband and I were looking for a unique evening to celebrate 19 years of marriage. It is good to shake things up a bit, so we studiously avoided the default plan of dinner and a movie. Our weekend magazine in the newspaper had listings of happenings around town. We plunged in to try something different.

We went to the local university to hear the finals of the Texas Guitar Festival. Classical guitar students from all over the world competed to win the coveted first prize. God gave us an anniversary gift of delight. We had front and center seats for a mesmerizing performance by the three top finalists. The Austrailian played with comedy and spirit. The Venezuelan brought fire and passion. The Spaniard demonstrated flawless technique. The notes burst from their guitars and swirled around the concert hall. The music made our evening magical.

Your local schools and universities are excellent avenues for experiencing the creative arts of humanity. You can see and hear young artists who may someday be tomorrow's greats. You can celebrate the muse in us all. If you have no appreciation of visual art, performance art, music, or literature, look for courses at your community colleges or university. Get a CD series on classical music from your library. Attend the new opening of an art exhibit. Make an investment in these avenues of delight. For very little, if any cost, the return is the best!

God wrapped His gift of 19 years of marriage to a wonderful man in a gift of beautiful music. All made my heart soar.
Joni