The Saxy Pastor

Something about me: I’m a chronic over-worker. (Many pastors are.) I’ve got a week left in my sabbatical, and I’m still having a hard time giving myself permission to not always be busy and pushing productivity to the max. I’m trying to develop new habits and make time for new ventures that bring me joy. In addition to learning to play the sax again, I am trying to learn how to golf. Today was a very wet day on the driving range! Between these new activities, and my passions for slowpitch softball and disc golf, I’ve got a lot of ways to unwind and shift the focus from work to fun - IF I’m willing to commit to prioritizing self care.

It’s finally here! 🤩 What a beauty!!

For those that are knowledgeable about saxes, this is a Thomann CMS-600S, which is basically a modern reproduction of the early 1920’s Conn New Wonder (complete with microtuner.)

Now I have to build practice time into my weekly schedule!

GREAT NEWS!! After what seems like an eternity, my new sax finally made it out of U.S. Customs purgatory!! It is sitting in a local package facility, awaiting me to pick it up. That would mean that I would have to leave the sand and sun, so it’s gonna have to wait a bit! 😀☀️🌴

Still playing the waiting game. My new sax that I bought from Germany has been sitting in a UPS Customs facility in Kentucky since December 30th. It's scanned everyday, but not released. All the tariffs have been paid, but UPS can't tell either the seller or myself what the hold up is. 🤷‍♂️ I've heard that patience is a virtue, but I'm not feeling very virtuous right now!!

They say that good things come to those who wait. I've been waiting quite a while. As many of you know, a handful of months ago, I had bought a new C-melody sax (kind of a rare instrument for various reasons). It ended up being defective, and the seller ghosted me for almost two months, then drug out my PayPal dispute. Long story short, I finally have my original money back, and have purchased a new sax from a different company. I am hoping that very soon, that I will have this brand new Thomann CMS-600 S in my hands! (I also want the mustache in my profile pic back, but that's another story.....) 😂

Patience. I don’t like it. Ironically, that’s what I am preaching on this Sunday morning. Funny How the Lord works that out… 😂😂😂 I hate waiting, and right now I am waiting for an experienced sax repair person to check out an issue with my new instrument. Until then, I get an unexpected opportunity to work on this particular Fruit of the Spirit. 🤷🏻‍♂️

I ordered this beauty over the weekend. (With a gold mouthpiece to match.) Not sure when it's going to show up, but I'm eagerly waiting its arrival!!

It’s easy to get excited about a new adventure, but what will you do when reality sets in?

I’m really excited to start playing again after 30 years, but I am quickly realizing that my mouth is not in shape. (Ironic for a pastor to say that…) 😂

In order to do much of anything worthwhile, you have to dedicate time to it, no matter the challenges. Right now, I just have to spend time playing, conditioning my mouth muscles, and relearning scales and basic music theory.

What are you going to do to make yourself better in the pursuit of your aspirations?

I'm currently renting a sax, but am looking to buy one soon. I like this black finish - but should I get the gold or silver accents?

Something new. I haven’t played the sax since high school, but have long desired to pick it back up. I’ve created a page where I can explore a past passion of music, but also talk about faith, life, and whatever strikes my fancy. I hope that it brings joy to people in some way. One of my goals is to learn how to play the sax solo on Careless Whisper! 😂