Last night we played our first show since our Christmas break. Our first show back is usually a little rusty, but this time everything went quite well! It felt good to have a guitar in my hands again.
We were in Macon, Georgia for a New Year's event there. I met the guys from Fee for the first time. They're a fantastic band! If you haven't heard of them, check them out. Steve Fee is a worship singer/songwriter.... his band is great, and their music is really fresh.
After having a month off, I have a renewed appreciation for the amazing experiences God has blessed me with. With so much time to think over the past few weeks, I've been thinking about influence and legacy. Maybe the timing of President Bush leaving office prompted the legacy part.
Over the last month, I've noticed how easily life continues without you. I didn't play any shows, I didn't see any of my friends in other bands, and I mostly spent time with family (which was a treat, for sure). While I was home, I came across some pictures of friends who were still out on tour, and it struck me how life would so easily go on without me. I don't mean that in a "poor me" kind of way, it more struck me as a reason to be motivated. I ended up thinking about how important it is to have purpose in your life.
If I am not making a positive difference in the lives of those around me, then what is the point? If I'm taking more than I'm giving, and living my life selfishly, then I certainly won't be missed when I'm gone. Maybe this is selfish in its own way, but I'd like to be missed when I'm gone. I want to live in such a way that the world is a better place with me in it. For anyone who is honest with themselves, that is a scary thought, because being that kind of person is no easy thing. This is where the motivation and determination come in.
In 2009, I want to be more positive.... I want to find the best in people, and I want to find the best in me. I want to be less selfish, and more generous. I want to be more pleasant, and less particular. I want to be more kind, and less curt. I also want to do 100 sit ups every day. That can't hurt, right?
I have been blessed beyond my most ambitious expectations. In traveling around the country playing shows, it is me that has been blessed by each of you whom I've met along the way. I hope I can continue to be a part of your lives over the coming years, and while I can't imagine how I could possibly give as much as I've received, I hope I can make a sincere effort to try.
j.
18 comments:
Jon,
Just know that you have made a difference in every single fans life, no matter how little.
You really have made a difference in my life...just seeing you have a blast while playing makes me feel a lot better, especially if I have had a bad day.
Much love,
Kathy
that is a really cool way of thinking! i never thought of how much of an impact one person can make. you have some really big goals. im not saying that they are going to be hard for you to accomplish, you seem really driven which is the best way to be when doing something. its just really cool some of the things that you are going to try and do. :)
you do make a big impact in peoples lives! thats one of the best things about you!
Wow.. That was deep but true. You have made a huge difference in my life! Music is a priceless treasure to me and to see other Christians spreading God's love through music is awesome!
good goal!! thats really cool. and you have made a difference im many lives. mine as an example. seeing you and the rest of hawk and how much you love god and what you do really inspired me. and good luck on the 100 sit ups a day! XD
jon!
love the blog! i have seen you in concert so many times, and tonight, you just seemed so happy! it was one of the best hawk shows i have been to in awhile! have a great 2009 :)
this is great - i agree! we appreciate you guys so much and we had so much fun tonight! hope you enjoyed the condiments!
Jon-
this is my fav blog ever of yours ever (except maybe the condiment one of course haha)
you've definitely been a positive influence of my life and i can never thank you enough. my world is definitely a better place because of you. you've given me so much more than you realize these past 2 1/2 years.
you were seriously AMAZING tonight. it was show number 40 for me....and definitely one of my favs. you were a blast to watch.
i can't wait for 2009!
many hugs and blessings,
Jesi
ps. i echo mollie-enjoy the condiments! ;)
sorry i said definitely 3 times....and ever twice in one sentence. it's late. i'm stupid.
Wow.... that's awesome man.... Ya know.... for my 2009, I want to be more caring. I mean, I always try to listen to people's problems, but I want to actually be able to HELP them..... that is my goal for 2009...... also..... the sit-ups thing.... RIGHT there with you Jon..... seriously... I will if you will!!!
Hey this is Hannah the crazy insane girl you met last night at Winterfest in Lynchburg, VA!
(If you could please let the rest of the band know this:)I just wanted to thank you for taking your time to meet us and also I wanted to thank you for everything your doing for teens in America!!! Thanks sooooo MUCH!!! I'll keep checking out your blog! Thanks AGAIN!!!!
Hannah!
wow. that was really deep! everything you said made so much sense. and you have made a difference in my life, and in i'm sure a lot of other people's lives. i mean, your music is what got me into Christian music, and now i'm nothing without it. before i thought all Christian music was really boring, but i randomly found Hawk Nelson on iTunes, bought a few songs, and was instantly hooked. you really did make a huge impact in my life, and I thank you for that
i really agree with Christena! before i heard you guys i really didnt listen to christian music... my parents did but i didnt really like it. but now basically all my favorite bands are christian.
i totally agree with christena and tisha both! christian music was always ok to me but since H.N. my perspective on christian music has really changed!
by the way, i forgot to say this but you are a GREAT inspiration to me! :)
(:
Great blog Jon!!
-Michelle
Jon you have made such a big
difference in my life, and especially your music. You are such a talented guy and God continues to bless you. Your Music and Hawk Nelson gets me through a bad day because I know you are doing it all for God's glory. It is so awesome to see that in my favorite band because I don't see it happen around me often. I'll stop with my little speech now.
Always praying for you and the guys
<3 Always
-Kara
John, you have inspired me, and so many others more than you'll ever know..
You really have made a difference.
much love,
Taylor
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