The End of the World Band
Monday, September 8, 2008 at 10:49AM According to my quick, two-minute, very rough estimate, I've played piano,organ or guitar in 2600 church services/functions, starting with my debut on the Hammond Organ at Second Baptist Church in 1970, and ending with yesterday's worship set at Manna. I say this not for any accolades, or sympathy - it was all my choice, every single one of them, no regrets. I'm bringing it up to put a little context to a dream I had a couple years ago, which just popped into my mind over the weekend.
It was the end of the world--the battle of Armageddon, Great White Throne Judgment, etc.--and I was in the band. I mean, every church function needs a band, right? You don't throw a church meeting without music. There was some sort of platform, and as the dream opened, we were just finishing the last song. And it was no big deal. I had played so many church services, functions, baptisms, weddings, funerals, dedications, revivals, tent meetings and concerts that it just seemed like one more worship set in a long line stretching back to my early teens. I wasn't even excited or surprised that I was chosen to be in the End of the World Worship Band--it's just who I am.
The Meeting was done, chairs being stacked, people talking, and although I was excited to see how The Next Life was going to turn out, I was tired and hungry. Ralf was packing up his bass, and I was getting my coat (apparently whoever organized the End of the World service supplied a keyboard), and we were discussing where we might find a restaurant open, considering the circumstances.
That was the whole dream, just standing around at the End, packing up, knowing we did a good job, happy that we knew our place and had fulfilled our duties.
Reader Comments (4)
Having played along side you for 15 years I can totally relate. Ed you are hilarious!
You mean the end of the world isn't going to be catered???
Ed, your writing has always been one of your best features. I still believe there is an editor somewhere that is waiting to read your work. Who knows? maybe your words could save someone from a dreary boring life...you have always saved mine!
Linda
Thanks. My other best feature is the ability to write on myself every single time I have a pen in my hand.
And there couldn't have been catering--if there had been food in the building, I'd have known. This does give me an idea, though...since we KNOW the end of the world has to come sooner or later, why not be first in line to bid the job? Get the jump on everyone, figure it out ahead of time, be ready with the pitch when the time comes. I need to get on Legal Zoom right now and set up an LLC. Talk about a client with deep pockets!
I so much want to see you play at a revival... in a tent... on a balmy night in August... wearing a pork pie hat...