That seems like almost a lifetime ago. I did the math in my head and despite my denial that our paths connected that long ago, it may have been even longer ago than that. We were privileged to attend the same church in Austin. I have such treasured memories from that time in my life.
Truthfully, I’ve lost contact with most of our peer group at Woodlawn Baptist Church from those early years. Although Dripping Springs isn’t that far away, somehow the connections faded as folks scattered and went their separate ways. Many are no longer in the Austin area. In addition, I guess life has a way of separating people as we get caught up in living life and focusing on the present rather than the past.
Yesterday was Clay Smith and Jo-Christy Texas Brown’s 30thwedding anniversary. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen one of Clay’s postings appear on my Facebook log, but I was thrilled with the content. Clay shared the most thoughtful and loving tribute to his wife:
“It was April 28, 1989 that I met Jo-Christy Texas Brown by asking her to dance. We had our first date a week later, country western dancing. The photo was taken one year later, April 28, 1990, at our wedding. Jo-Christy is the perfect dance partner. She has the ability to add grace and rhythm to my awkwardness. She still does 30 years later. The song “Dance the Night Away”, was written during the first months of our relationship. It’s her song. I love you “Sunshine”. Happy anniversary! Would you care to dance?”
In addition, along with the wedding picture that Clay posted, was access to hear the audio recording of the song he wrote and shared with Jo Christy as a wedding gift.
The song is autobiographical. Aren’t those the best kind of songs? I love hearing people’s stories. When they are expressed through music, it even makes them more impactful. Without question, theirs is a love story that adds both value to the other while holding the essence of making everyday a better day.
Clay gave Jo-Christy’s song the title, “Dance The Night Away”. Obviously, the song falls into the category of a love song par excellence. I did a Google search to see if there was a song entitled, “Dance The Night Away.” Interesting, I found several by that name or something similar. None – absolutely none – carry the same level of emotion or absolute marvel of being transformed by the power of love.
I considered transcribing the words from the song to include in my blog this morning, but without the audio and the sound of Clay’s voice, you might miss the level of emotion or the love that flows from every line. In addition, there is almost a reverence in the content that he shares. I would have felt like a pirate to take it without permission.
This morning I thought of a poem that was shared at their wedding. Strange how things from thirty years ago can come from out of nowhere and seem important. I’m not sure I’ve heard the poem sense, but I really liked the content. The Indian poet, from the vantage point of wisdom and insight, described the partnership of marriage this way:
Keeper of my delight
Come rejoice with me
Keeper of my sorrow
Come share you tears with me
Keeper of my drums
Come make a new song with me
Keeper of my dreams
Come sleep awhile with me
Dance with me on rocks
Wet with springtime rain
Lie with me on grass
Warm from summer sun
Rest with me on leaves
Bathed in autumn light
Walk with me through forests
Dressed in winter snow
Keeper of my love
Keep my ambition for me
Keeper of my heart
Keep my secrets to you
Keeper of my home
Keep my fire for me
Keeper of my garden
Keep its stillness for us.
Gifted and talented doesn’t even begin to describe Clay. Add a think layer of humility into that mix; along with talent that words can’t comprehensively describe, and you get the sense that Clay’s life is a gift from God to many people. He has certainly enriched my life in many ways.
Across the past four decades, Clay has come to our church many times at my invitation to bring a message in song to our church. In addition, he also plays a twelve string Martin guitar. Don’t ask me how I know that? I just do. I’ve never counted the strings and I’ve always thought that a Martin was a bird, but his voice and the guitar resonate in the most wonderful of ways. Always, it orchestrates a spirit of Worship for me.
For many years now, Clay has been very actively involved in the music program at River Bend Baptist Church. River Bend is on the leading edge of notable large churches in Austin. Despite the contrast between River Bend and a little place like Henly, Clay seems perfectly at home in either.
Occasionally, I’ll notice that Clay has given something I’ve posted on Facebook a “thumb’s up” and I always take that as the highest of compliments. He is just one of those people who’s approval seems like a special gift.
I’ve dedicated my thoughts this morning to the gift of Clay’s friendship and his giftedness. The love of Clay’s life also falls in the gifted and talented category. They are equally yoked as husband and wife. Congratulations and Happy Anniversary to both!
All My Best!
Don