Naomi and I returned today from a visit to Nyack College in Nyack, NY.  Jo is finishing up her Freshman year there, and Naomi will be starting there in the fall.  But that's not what I'm really wanting to write about.

It has been a long time since I've heard as much top 40 radio as I did these past three days traveling with a 17 year old.  It only served to prove my long held belief that there are really only about six love songs that should ever have been written, because all rest just say what's already been said, over and over and over...  Millions have been written, of course, but only about six should have been:

I Could Never Promise You by Don Francisco (our wedding song)
Catch the Wind by Donovan (obligatory unrequited love song)
Sometimes When We Touch by Dan Hill  (obligatory 'I'm so confused by these feelings' song)
Together Alone by Melanie (simply beautiful)
Darling be Home Soon by the Lovin' Spoonful (obligatory 'I'll miss you while you're away' song.)
Rain on the Roof by the Lovin' Spoonful (makes me want to snuggle on the couch with Sue all night)

All other love songs say the same things, only not as well.  These remaining millions of songs should be removed from all ipods, or whatever those things are, the CDs they're on should be destroyed, and anyone who sings them in concert should be arrested on the spot.  The six songs above say all that needs to be said on the topic of romantic love.

I feel the same way about Christmas songs.  Actually, I think there really are only half a dozen that were ever written, and everybody shares them.  "That was Barry Manilow singing 'Oh Holy Night".  Now listen as Ozzy Osbourne sings "Oh Holy Night."  Later this hour, Beverly Sills sings "Oh Holy Night".

Doing a Gospel juggling program, I am aware that my show could also become just as predictable as top 40 music, or Christmas songs.  On the one hand, I value the opportunities I get to practice evangelism.  On the other hand, I want to avoid having each routine simply tell people, "Jesus loves you, and you need Him in your heart."  Of course, the Bible is a great source of material, and many of the parables, stories, psalms, etc. from Scripture can stand alone, without me having to explain them.  Certainly, church programs allow more room to delve into other topics, 'meat' as Scripture calls it.  Then, opportunities to perform in community events in which the Gospel may not be overt, such as parades, is another way to include variety in what I do.

I'm not losing sleep over it, but I do strive to keep our material fresh.  please pray accordingly.