Welcome back. You belong here.
Last night, I played a show at Viento y Agua in Long Beach, CA, thank you all for coming! Playing my songs is always a blast, it’s a chance to express my creativity and raise funds for the recording of my 2nd CD “Masterpiece”.
But the best part is the people I get to meet.
Last night I met Aliyah, she’s five years old (picture above). Aliyah loves music and told her mom I’m better than One Direction! I saw Aliyah in the front next to her mom, singing along, loving life.
Her mom Mary told me that the other day Aliyah asked her to stay in the car until my song finished. Last night I saw her singing to “Just A Few More Hours”, I wonder if that’s her favorite song.
Towards the end of my show, I introduced Aliyah to the crowd and told them of her love for music, everyone clapped! It was a wonderful moment.
Last night Aliyah taught me that it’s better to give than to receive. Last night I forgot the lyrics to one of my own songs, I could hardly hear my guitar, but seeing her there reminded me that it’s not about me, it’s about her. It doesn’t matter what I was thinking inside, last night was about her love for music, her joy, her innocence and the opportunity to hear one of her favorite artists up close.
That’s where the magic was!
Last night made me realize how easy it is to focus on our own situation. It’s easy to focus on our needs, our struggles, how we’re feeling, what’s going on inside our heads. Even when given the chance to be with other people, it’s easy to be self-focused and miss the chance to give to others.
But when we realize the joy of giving, everything changes. It’s when we realize the joy of being light to others, of being a giver not a taker, of being a builder not a breaker, that we truly become people of joy.
Here are some ways to become a more joyful person:
1. Realize How Self-Focused We Are and Ask God to Change You. Sometimes we don’t even realize how it’s all about us. Even if you think you’re a very giving person, most of the time we put ourselves first before others. Admit that and move on.
2. Ask Questions and Try to Answer Them. When in a room full of people, or sitting with a friend one-on-one, ask lots of questions. There’s a time and a place to talk about ourselves, for example at a job interview, and it’s good to share our own thoughts with others. But if you want to grow in JOY, begin to listen to others.
3. Tell Other Peoples’ Stories, Not Just Your Own. We are so good at self-promoting, look at me! If you want to grow in joy, begin to promote others, show up and pray for others, give, and while giving, talk about how thankful you are for the venue, the coffee, the church, the people. The idea is to focus on others and their stories not just your own.
Here are some questions to consider:
1. How do you feel when spending time with others?
2. Do you have an easy time focusing on others when you want the focus to be on you?
3. What helps you be more generous with your time?
Thank you for being here.
Trig