If you can dream it, you can do it.
-Walt Disney-
Good Morning,
On Saturday, Sharron and I attended the 2007 Music Camp Final Concert. It is always great fun to watch the young people perform. It is amazing how much they learn over the one week at camp. Each group comes to the stage with their varying performances, whether it be brass, ukulele, guitar, timbrel, singing or dance. However, one thing remains consistent, and that is the smile on their faces and a sense of accomplishment that each of them take home.
It was a bittersweet day, as it is the final Music Camp in Hawaii that will be planned and led by Major Clarence Orion. Uncle Clarence, as he is affectionately called by so many, has given so much over the years to not only teach music, but to help young people discover the talents that God has given them. There is no way to count the number of lives that have been influenced by Clarence. God’s Kingdom is larger, and more musical because of Clarence’s faithful service over the years. The words, Thank You, do not seem to be enough, however, we thank God for the gifts that Clarence has brought to each of us. We are better servants of God because of him. Thank you Clarence.
Yesterday Sharron and I attended the Memorial Service for Charles “Chuck” Rosnick. Here again was a man that was so unassuming. It was mentioned several times during the service that Chuck only wanted the best for those he served, especially the young people. He loved music and wanted to instill that passion in the lives of those around him. He personally purchased instruments and music and took time to teach, to encourage and to uplift. A child that had just returned from Music Camp summed up the service for me. She said she was given a shirt to wear during the Final Concert that had the word, “Ho’o kela,” meaning Aspire to Excellence. With tears in her eyes, she said, “that is what Chuck always wanted for me.” I think it appropriate that from this day on the outstanding musician award at camp will bear Chuck’s name.
I look at the role models that young people have today, and I am so often frustrated and saddened. I see NFL football players that seem to spend more time in front of judges than they do on the practice field, and I am frustrated. I see NBA players, time after time, being facing paternity suits, and I am frustrated. I see the rich and the famous only concerned about themselves and their pleasure, and I am frustrated. Then, I take a moment to look at people like Clarence and Chuck, and I am so encouraged. These men, and countless people like them, are the true role models that we need to uphold in the presence of our young people. People that care enough to say to those around them, Ho’o kela, aspire to excellence. Be the best you can be, only do not do it for yourself, do it for God.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-9
Blessings,
d
