Sometimes we have to listen beyond the words to get what is being communicated.  And this particular insight that was communicated has been what has put me in action.

Here I sit, creating content for the website and my mind is always running possibilities for process and policies in the background.  As usual, my very diverse music collection is set to Random on the media player.

We all very well know that music has a way of stirring up memories and ways of being.  Certain music can take us right back to a particular time and place, and it can also brings out the calming qualities that we have while others bring out the nose to the grind stone let's get this thing done mentality- today I need to be in the latter.  Next song that plays on this professional, Edmonds Band Booster Mom's media player: Don't Take Me For Granted by Social Distortion.  Perfect timing.

I’m your worn in leather jacket
I’m the volume in your fu@%^$ up teenage band
A Pack of smokes and a six pack
I’m the dreams you had walkin’ down the railroad tracks
You and me

I’m your first taste of romance
I’m your first broken heart on a Saturday night
Guys like us ain’t got no chance
But I’m the thing that keeps you and me alive
But not forever

Chorus:
So take me down the road
Take me to the show
It’s something to believe in
That no one else knows
But don’t take me for granted

I’m the blood on your guitar
I’m that wave you caught back in 1975
I’m as strong as a thousand armies
I’m as soft as a petal on a long stem rose
I am love

So take me down the road
Take me to the show
It’s something to believe in
That no one else knows
But don’t take me for granted
I’m with you when you’re born
You can take me when you die
With all the reasons why
But don’t take me for granted

No one knows
Don’t take me for granted

For me, I hear in this song that love creates possibility- that love can look many different ways- it can have you act outside of your preconceived boundaries- it is ever present (even when you rather it wasn't)- it is something of nostalgia and something to live into- but don't take it for granted.

I'm going to let Mr. Mike Ness and the boys remind me to follow my heart and be bigger than I know myself to be... in the name of all that I love.  Thanks guys!