Balance

I've been on the road for the better part of the last month - working down in my office at Sewanee, visiting donors, performing Raise the Roof with Symphonicity in Virginia Beach, and conducting at the College Music Society Conference in Vancouver.  I'm now home, and happy to just have the normal level of busy in my life.  Being a musician can throw your life out of balance from time to time, but as long as you can pull back to center - it's worth it.  I was talking to a friend today, a busy, successful musician who is out on the road right now, and as we were talking I asked him how he was - his response " man, I'm really tired".  I agreed, and then said in a off handed way " at times, all we have to cling to is our gratitude for all of this..." It was more profound that I intended - But we are fortunate to make music - as conductors, performers, teachers, program directors.  This is a pretty exciting way to make a living, and I couldn't be happier for the chance opportunities.  
But I'm also glad, for the next couple of weeks, that I can wake up in the same place.