Vocation

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Music has been central to my spiritual life since before I learned to play guitar. Both the songs we sang at camp each summer (and then introduced to my home church in East Texas) and discovering new bands, learning a different spiritual language that wasn't always churchy. music was formative to my young worldview helping me to grow in my understanding of God in my life and in our world. 

I have been in several bands since I was in high school, and when I moved to Port Aransas in 2012, besides getting to know our congregations, I wanted to get to know the music scene, and find my place in it. I was fortunate to get to play at the Tarpon Ice House while it still existed, and on some of those late nights I learned the owner was  one of my flock! 


I knew that in order to be myself and follow my calling, I needed to continue to play music not just in church as part of my life as a priest, but outside of church. I discovered I especially enjoy playing at that little pirate bar on Beach St. 

Music is so important to me that I consider playing and sharing my music a sacred thing. For Lent, I invited my congregation to come hear me perform my original songs, and grouped my music by categories: Creation, Vocation, Love, Inspiration, and Death. My last show was focused on vocation—a word that we tend to limit to a paying occupation. Vocation comes from a latin word vocare, which unless my tense is off, means to call. Vocation is about our calling in life, not just our job. Attention to the call is about becoming the person God created us to be, which is why I needed to play music on a weekly basis this week, and invite my church and community to mingle while breaking bread and witness me being vulnerable in new ways. My music is how I air out my emotions, grief, hopes, and love is this amazing life.

I hope your lenten season, or any spiritual practices help you live your full life and vocation. We are all multi-dimensional, and although we sometimes have to set aside parts of ourselves (while in school, raising children, or over-working ourselves) at some point on our journey, we would do well to return to those sacred practices that truly make us who we are. I'm grateful to be in a church and community where I'm supported in my vocational expressions such as preaching on Sunday then playing a gig in a bar on Monday. 

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