The sounds of the holiday season cut through the crisp night air, as I stepped from my car, and into the bustling parking lot. The Salvation Army Collection attendee ringing in the holiday season, but instead of the typical, almost annoying ringing of the holiday bell, the night was filled with the warm sounds of a 100 year old military euphonium.
David, the lungs and lips behind the deep melodic sounds, was bundled lightly, and wearing gloves to keep his hands warm while pressing on the cold metal of the euphonium keys. His smile was bright and cheerful, and his eyes twinkled slightly. You could tell he loved what he was doing, and just speaking with him made me feel warm and peaceful.
“It’s a gift,” he said, “a gift from God that I can do this every year without problems.”
David had been playing 12 hours that day with one 30 minute break for some food. He had been doing that every day since the holiday season had begun for quite a few years.
He said “I have been blessed, and I feel that if I can sit here and play something to warm the heart, and the senses, then I am passing my blessing onto everyone else.”
He was right. As I stood against the wall, next to his stand, listening to the music fill the crisp night air, I didn’t feel cold. I watched the hurried shoppers exiting the store, slow down to listen, and smile. Some donated money, some just listened, but all were touched by David’s gift, a gift from his heart, from his soul.
Sometimes in this holiday season, we forget what is truly important. Thankfully we have those among us, like David, who can sit there, smile, share, and remind us of what is truly important, without every speaking a word.