Some Holiday Family Fun

Yesterday my family and I went to see the Nutcracker at the University of Lincoln Lied Center. For a Christmas gift, we bought tickets for my parents so that they could join us for the experience. It was a really wonderful experience that all of us were able to enjoy. My son enjoyed the first half, especially the fight between the the Nutcracker, the two soldiers and the Rat King and his minions. My daughter, who is in ballet, loved it all.

I love watching the performing arts, listening to classical music, going to an art museum, etc. Part of the reason why I enjoy such things is because of the amount of time I have invested myself in them. All through middle school and until the end of my sophomore year in high school, I played the trumpet in band. I loved playing in the orchestra/concert band and even did jazz band for a year. That was very different and a real thrill! But, I did not enjoy marching band.

Not only was I in band, but I took numerous art classes. In fact, I took at least one semester of art every year from 8th grade until I graduated from college. I have dabbled in several different medias (types of art), from ceramics to pencil, to colored pencil, to Conté Crayons, to paint ( many types), to pen and ink, etc. In fact, some of the only medias that I have not done are metal, stone, an glass blowing.

And, on top of all of this, I have been in several plays, not counting the Christmas plays that I have been in over the years. My German class (first year in College) put on a play (auf Deutsch, naturlich... in German, of course...) that my parents attended. I was a stage hand of the play "To Kill a Mockingbird" and played several 'minor roles' in the play "Mother Courage (and all of Her Children)." It was a lot of hard work and took a lot of time to practice and get things correct. But, it was all worth it in the end.

I really enjoyed the dancing, though I have to admit, I was often focusing a lot more on the music. The music was done by Nebraska Symphony Orchestra, and I simply loved it. Because of the time I spent in band, I can really appreciate all of the hard work that they put into it. To me, the music not only had exceptional tone quality, but seemed to seamlessly blend from one point to another. Even though I really did enjoy watching the performers do the ballet, I just seemed to be drawn much more to the music.

The other thing that I was really drawn to was all of the art work. I seemed to be especially intrigued by the creation of the 'palace' background during the second scene. They did a stupendous job with all of the stage art work, in my opinion. However, my eyes felt especially drawn in to the background work during the 'palace scene' because of how well it has been done. Although it was clearly a scene painted onto a canvas surface, my eyes still were drawn into it. The people who created it did a very good job with their one point perspective. And, they also added some reflective/sparkly items to the backdrop, so as to give it the illusion of sparkling jewels. This detail just added to the depth and enjoyment of the ballet overall.

As I soaked up as much of the experience as I could, I was often reminded of my experiences while studying German at Centre College. Part of the uniqueness of 'the Centre Experience' is there emphasis on experiencing many different things. In fact, each year full-time students have to attend 12 convocations, which range from concerts, special movies (because of their emphasis on cross-cultural experiences), various lectures, etc. There are so many different options that this is not hard to do. I have to admit, I miss attending such things that enrich one culturally. I will take what I can get.

What was more special about this situation was that I was enjoying it with my family. Both my wife and I really enjoy going to concerts, plays, etc., as well as my parents. It's a way that we can experience other times and other cultures. At least, get a 'snap shot' through their artifacts, art, music, etc. It's something that my wife and I are trying to cultivate in our children. Since my children's interests vary quite a bit, this can sometimes be a challenge. But, it is something that we try to do, to cultivate a love for learning about other people and cultures. This can of love of learning has helped me to grow as a person, and as a Christian.

How has it helped me to grow as a Christian? Several ways. First of all, it has helped me to appreciate and the historical and cultural influences/context of when Scripture was written. Each part of the Bible was written by a specific person, addressing specific historical and cultural situations, with a given language. And, not only was each person writing to a specific audience, but each person had their own unique way of writing. Understanding all of this helps one to understand what the original message was to what kind of audience and how they would have probably received it. That, in turn, informs us how we can apply these historical and spiritual truths to our lives.

Another way all of this has enriched me is how I prayerfully try to interact with others. In learning about the history of others, I have gained a better appreciation to the importance of know an individual or a group's historical background. There are reasons why people have done different things. Many different and significant (though not always obvious) influences have led up to different actions and decisions. Understanding this has helped me on numerous occasions with guiding me with how I deal with certain people. And, it's not always easy to do. But, it is still very important.

During this Advent Season, I hope that all of you are take time to make special memories with you family and friends. It can be very challenging at times. But, the hard work will pay dividends in the future. And, if you can learn more culturally through art, music, etc., all the better. At least, that what I believe.