The Trickle Down Effect

This week I went to the library.  I really love libraries (case in point here); I take after my dad that way.  Anyway, I particularly love the Wheaton Public Library.  It’s ranked #8 in the nation (serving populations between 50,000-100,000), FYI.  I often study there rather than the Wheaton College library due to it’s comfortable chairs and scenic view overlooking a downtown park.  I also am a big fan of their DVD selection.  They have almost every TV show imaginable on DVD.  My So Called Life?  Check.  Faerie Tale Theatre?  Check.  (Remember The Frog Prince with Robin Williams and Teri Garr? Classic!)  Anyway, I was unpleasantly surprised this past week when I learned that because of budget cuts, the library will no longer be checking out movies for free but rather renting them for $1 each.

Well, if there was any doubt in my mind concerning the floundering economy after that, today certainly cleared it up.  I went to work this afternoon (my primary and favorite of my three jobs) only to learn that my boss had been laid off from her job the day before.  Being that my job is basically to play “mom” in her absence, and seeing that there is no longer a need for her to be absent, I too am left without a job come this summer.  I take that back; I technically still have two other jobs.  However, neither is dependable when it comes to getting hours, and one only pays minimum wage.  I was so thankful for the nanny gig; I really liked the family, they paid well, and the hours were convenient.  Babysitting jobs are pretty lucrative here in the ‘burbs, but I doubt that I will find another family needing my services with kids ages 10 & 13 … no changing diapers for me!

So looking toward the summer, I am once again in job hunt mode.  My heart goes out to those in similar or worse circumstances.  I can’t imagine working full time and the rug suddenly being pulled out from under you.  It’s one thing to lose your job; it’s another to have to find one in a climate such as this.

That being said, I am officially taking suggestions for summer work.  And don’t say swimming lessons instructor … I’ve already done that, and it was NOT for me. 

Hosanna

Hosanna.  It’s a churchy word.  Perhaps you’ve heard it today, being Palm Sunday and all.  I’ve never really liked the word, mostly because I identify it with some really cheesy praise choruses.  I’ve heard it as an exclamation, like “Glory!” or “Hallelujah!”, and I figure most people don’t even know what they’re saying.  It wasn’t until a few months ago that I developed an appreciation for the word, and over the past couple days that it has become my own cry.

I wrote last about my upcoming impromptu trip to Indiana for the Andrew Peterson Resurrection Letters Easter tour.  Back in October, however, some friends and I heard him play a free show a tad bit closer (only about 30 minutes away) promoting his latest album entitled “Resurrection Letters, Vol. 2.”  He played through the album in its entirety with a short commentary prior to each song.  One song he entitled “Hosanna” and went on to explain how the word is a transliteration from the Hebrew meaning “Save us, now.”  This is what the Jews proclaimed, quoting Psalm 118 as Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.  Andrew mused that this simple word serves a dual purpose.  First, to cry out, “Save me,” is to admit that I need saving.  But it is also an acknowledgement that Jesus is able to save.  Both confession and praise.

Fast forward to this past Thursday.  As I arrived at the church where the concert was held, they handed out bulletins (okay, maybe I should call them programs; I can’t escape my “churchy” roots) with the order of service, or “set list” if you will.  After a few songs from each of the artists involved with the tour and a short intermission, the show entered into a progression of hymns and songs sung by Andrew and Jill as well as readings crafted by Andrew, tracing the last week of Jesus’ life.  Beginning with Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem, Jill sang “Hosanna” from her album Kingdom Come (which I’ve written about before) followed by Andrew’s song of the same title.  I want to share the words here, since as of late they have become both my confession and praise.  Hosanna.

I am tangled up in contradiction.  I am strangled by my own two hands.  I am hunted by the hounds of addiction.  Hosanna!  I have lied to everyone who trusts me.  I have tried to fall when I could stand.  I have only loved the ones who loved me.  Hosanna!  O Hosanna!  See the long awaited king come to set his people free.  We cry O Hosanna!  Come and tear the temple down.  Raise it up on holy ground.  Hosanna!

I have struggled to remove this raiment, tried to hide every shimmering strand.  I contend with these ghosts and these hosts of bright angels.  Hosanna!  I have cursed the man that you have made me.  I have nursed the beast that bays for my blood.  Oh, I have run from the one who would save me.  Save me, Hosanna!  O Hosanna!  See the long awaited king, come to set his people free.  We cry O Hosanna!  Come and tear the temple down.  Raise it up on holy ground.  Hosanna!  We cry for blood, and we take your life.  Hosanna!  We cry for blood, and we take your life.  It is blood, it is life that you have given.

You have crushed beneath your heel the vile serpent.  You have carried to the grave the black stain.  You have torn apart the temple’s holy curtain.  You have beaten Death at Death’s own game.  Hosanna!  O Hosanna!  Hail the long awaited king, come to set his people free.  We cry O Hosanna!  Won’t you tear this temple down, raise it up on holy ground.  O Hosanna!  I will lift my voice and sing: you have come and washed me clean. Hosanna.

Indiana, here I come!

Well, I just made an impulsive decision.  On Thursday I’m planning to drive four hours to (not to mention the four hours back from) a city I’ve never been to – heck, a state I’ve never been to – all for the purpose of preparing my heart for Easter.  I’ve been debating for weeks the practicality of such a trip but finally decided that the pros outweigh the cons.  The closest stop on Andrew Peterson’s Resurrection Letters tour is Terre Haute, Indiana, and I just bought my ticket.

This isn’t the first time I’ve crossed state lines for an Andrew Peterson show.  I had been keeping a close eye on his tour schedule for years, but he never seemed to play shows anywhere near me.  However, a couple years ago he toured just outside Wichita, KS, and at just a couple hours away from me, I was not going to miss it.  I was willing and prepared to go by myself but at the last minute convinced a friend to come along (on a school night, no less).  And even though we were an hour or so late, it is still one of my favorite concert memories.  (You can read about it and see pics here … yeah, that’s me with blonde hair.)

Part of the lure of the Kansas concert was the shared stage between Andrew and another favorite of mine, Jill Phillips.  So when I received an email today saying that Jill was also playing on Thursday, that was pretty much the clincher.  So … anyone  up for a show?  Here’s a little foretaste to lure you in.    All of this to say that I am incredibly excited to worship alongside Andrew and Jill and celebrate the risen Christ.  May your Easter be filled with joyful celebration!