For some odd reason, lately I’ve been stuck on classic rock. Every time I turn on Pandora, iTunes, or XM I can’t get enough KISS, Def Leppard, AC/DC, Guns n Roses, Heart, Skynard, etc… It seems like it’s been ages since I’ve listened to this genre of music because I love listening to newer, more contemoporary artist like Mumford and Sons, Ray Lamontange, La Rocca, and Adele. But as of late I’ve found myself wandering back into the vinyl archives of my youth. I’ve even thought about going up to the attic and unpacking my turntable, then hooking it up to the system in my living room. I can just hear my kids, “Dad…what’s that thing?”
But should I break out the turntable and reel-to-reel, or should I opt for Apple TV?
There’s nothing wrong with appreciating good music, whether it’s old or new. In fact, the reason I often get lost in great old rock and roll is because it’s familiar, it’s safe, and it helps me center when my life is chaotic and stressful. When things get really difficult, sometimes I get in my truck and turn up “Back In Black” really loud! It just makes me feel better to rock out to my heart song! There’s nothing wrong with having a “heart song”, regardless of what era it’s from. But what if our primary music preference is an indicator of something much deeper? What if our music choices are reflective of our ability to learn, adapt, and grow intellectually as we get older?
I must admit, this is not an original thought by me, but it’s something that my friend Marty and I have talked about over the years. I can’t remember where we first heard this line of thinking. I’m sure it was either at a conference or in a book we read. But the basic idea is that if your music collection stops after high school or college then that’s an indicator of what will happen in other areas of your life as well-you will be far less likely to learn new things and grow intellectually as you get older.
I don’t want to be that old guy who is so incredibly opinionated about everything that he refuses to learn anything new or see things in any other way but his own. I want to be a life-long learner! I want to always ask questions, be ready to debate, and open to new thoughts and ideas. I don’t ever want to get to the point where I close myself off from the ideas, philosophies, and thoughts of others.
In case you’re wondering, yes, I believe in absolute truth, and of course some things are black and white, moral and immoral, right and wrong, etc…That’s not what I’m saying at all if. So, you’re trying to dissect my line of thinking, STOP! All I’m saying is that God designed us to learn and grow…not be stagnant, arrogant, or feel like we’ve arrived and have it all figured out.
I once heard one of my heros, Tony Campollo, say, “The older I get, the more I realize just how much I have left to learn.” Boy, talk about a wise statement that demonstrates humility!
So, the next time you find yourself rocking out to Rush, Journey, The Eagles, or Eric Clapton, ask yourself the question, “Can I name at least 5 new bands from the last decade?” If you can’t, odds are you need to CHANGE THE STATION and learn a little!
What do you think?
I was having this conversation with a friend the other night. It baffles me how many people get caught in the past and don't take the time to plug into the present.