Turn the Radio On

Our radio wave reception at school was somewhat unique.

Out in the middle of the Yakama Indian Reservation, coverage - by air waves, cell towers, internet, satellite, television, radio - anything that travels invisibly through the air - was intermittent and many times non-existent.

But sometimes, when the stars, clouds, wind, sun, moon, weeds, tall trees, and traveling motorists were all in alignment, we could enjoy music and making calls on our cell phones.

It didn't happen often, but when it did, it was a "Hallelujah!" day.

I have fond music memories from walking down the hallway. When the invisible wires, waves, and receptions were all in place, I could often hear five radio stations going at once. Some would be on the same fuzzy station, but there were always at least two different channels, fraught with varying degrees of static.

If I timed it right, I could walk out of my room, singing with whatever song was playing on my station. Humming along to the music in my head, I would walk into the continuation of the same song, playing on a different device. Or I would jump into the middle of a new song and adjust my mental channel to play that song. This continued for each room I passed or walked into.

If, occasionally, I could not get reception in my room, there was usually at least one other person who could receive signals, and therefore, music.

Long-distance enjoyment and singing were side effects of this phenomenon. Harmony, debatable in its quality at times due to the interference of walls and time lag, was often produced. But all the more beautiful and interesting, right?

It was like visiting a music practice studio where little cubicles were filled with a musician or soloist, each performing a different song or musical piece. Only in the hallway could you enjoy the variety and choose one or the other to join in with and hum along.

I totally loved the fluctuating musical performances. We became quite adept at filling in the blanks caused by our placement in the reception grid.

Good reception is overrated. Any reception is awesome.

Kicked Out

It's true. I have been kicked out of a restaurant.

Not all by my lonesome. Thank You, Jesus. But with a group of friends and fellow conspirators. I mean choral members.

Picture the night. It was balmy and perfect (as opposed to dark and stormy). Dinner was being served at a local seafood establishment. Spirits were high as per the requirement that young people always exhibit high spirits and joyful glee with whatever life tosses in its path. Chattering and, dare I say, noise filled our booth. And several of the booths surrounding our table.

Time to pray and give thanks for the meal.

Except we decided to sing our blessing. In the form of an inspirational song based on Numbers 6:24-26, "The Lord Bless You and Keep You."

A beautiful and fitting song, we had it memorized and often sang it acappella to conclude concerts or as a benediction following times of worship or church services.

Each choral section was represented that night - soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. Our blend was never more harmonious, the words never uttered with such perfect diction, our breathing and focus intent and in concert with each other. "The Lord Bless You and Keep You" was offered as both a blessing and a gift to fellow diners.

Until a manager approached and asked that we cease our song and retire from the building.

Bah-humbug! Someone had complained about our singing (and most likely, the content of our singing). No, others did not appreciate our attempts at singing for our supper, or at least singing before our supper. It was a rainstorm of complaint attempting to rain on our praise parade.

I'm sure there were some who enjoyed our song that night. We did not let criticism ruin our joy. Instead, we met in the parking lot, continued our song and regaled the heavens with blended voices and sincere hearts.

We can't please all the people all the time.

Sometimes, someone will not like something we say, do, sing, make, or think. But that's alright. Be true to our own hearts.

And be willing to be kicked out for the right reason.