"Rockstar" - Normal??

Today I told you I would write about the second part of my blog name, "Rockstar". This is going to be a much harder post to write, as it's going to feel like I'm tooting my own horn in some ways. So let's get one thing straight up front: I use the term "rockstar" in a rather tongue-in-cheek manner. Honestly, in my personal vocabulary the word "rockstar" tends to be more of a derogatory term reserved for someone who thinks more highly of themselves than they ought ("Oh look at that guy... he thinks he's a rockstar!"). However, the truth of the matter is that there is a lot about my life right now that resembles the life of a rockstar (just not the A-level U2 or Tim McGraw rockstars).

For starters, my job requires me to be on a stage in front of people on a regular basis (most often hidden on a drum riser behind a drum kit in the back, but that's still on stage!). I play in a band called downhere, and we've really had a pretty good run, all things considered. On my desk sit two JUNO Awards, Canada's highest music award (it's the equivalent of a GRAMMY in America). Upstairs on a shelf somewhere is a Dove Award, Christian Music's highest award. We were even invited to present an award at the Dove Awards last year (the particular award we presented wasn't part of the televised portion, but oh well - we got a great picture anyway!). We have been able to stay together for 8 years now and still be friends which is a success in and of itself. I scribble my name on various objects after every concert for people who use an autograph as an excuse to come and talk to "the band".

I have been able to see a lot of the world at other peoples' expense as we've traveled fairly extensively internationally as well as domestically playing concerts. (Hawaii is the only state I haven't been to yet - any Hawaiians out there wanting to do a concert with us??) I have performed in front of tens of thousands of people and on national television. I have spent 8 years traversing North America in a 15-passenger van and have recently had the privilege of traveling a little bit in a nice bus. My band's CDs can be found in Wal-Marts and Best Buys around the country. I just heard recently that my face is on a billboard in the Seattle area promoting an event we will be playing there in November.

I have enjoyed experiences that many people only dream of and am so grateful. But you know what? Even after all that - and we're pretty small time compared to some of the REAL rockstars! - the things I enjoy most are the normal things in life... the stuff I talked about yesterday. Sure, being a "rockstar" is a lot of fun (most of the time!) an I'm thankful that I get to enjoy it - but this is only a season of my life. And when the time comes, I pray I will willingly return to normal life and continue enjoying the things that I value the most: my faith, my family, and my friends.   

Comments

[Anon4him]

Downhere rocks my socks and I haven't see you guys in concert yet. Maybe you aren't as rockstar-ish as some bands, but you definitely have the talent to be. I hope that you continue to play awesome music for a good long while before you go back to the "normal life"--at least until I get to see you :-P

[Elliott]

Sorry Carla, we couldn't find that billboard.....Great show though....

[alex mclean]

keep rockin' the free world, rockstar!

[Michael Farren]

great perspective and heart...love it...i personally know a few rockstars who need to read this post...thanks for being one of the "real one's".

[Carla]

Here's to a really LONG season! And I'll make sure to try to find that billboard and take a picture of it when I'm up in WA in a week or two.

[Carstairs38]

Comes to an end? Not any time soon, please! :)

Seriously, it is nice to see a rockstar who is so well grounded. Thanks for sharing.

Mark