So far this year, I haven’t reached all my new year’s goals, but I have to say I have far exceeded one. I set a goal to go to more concerts this year and I have already been to more this year than I had in the previous five years. So, yay for me.

I saw David Gray at the Grand Old Opry Thursday with a friend of mine.  It was an amazing concert, almost an out-of-body experience for me. I think what really made me love the concert was seeing how passionate David Gray was about his music. Seeing someone who loves what they do and is very good at it, you can’t help but love it yourself.

I knew about three songs that he played the entire night. I could have been like some of those around me who tuned out the music they didn’t know and had conversations with each other instead. Besides being rude and inconsiderate, I think they missed out.

For me, the beauty of life is expanding your horizons and trying new things. New foods, new places, new people and, in this case, new music. The Bible talks about those who have ears to hear. Everyone hears, but not everyone really listens. That’s where the beauty comes.

I will probably listen to the David Gray CD in my car and the next time he’s in town, I will try to see him in concert again.

But more than that, I want to keep trying new things. I want to keep my eyes and ears open so that I won’t just look, but see, and not just hear, but listen. I won’t just exist, but I will truly live. Because life really is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.

And I for one to be one of the few who don’t miss it.