From the Editor

In God’s pocket

“Drumming ‘in the pocket’ means three things: having great timing, great groove, and serving the music. Playing in such a way allows you to create a ‘pocket’ that gives other musicians in your band space to play. Striking a great balance between these sometimes–subtle concepts is what separates a good drummer from a great drummer,” wrote Mike O'Connor, a noted author at Electronic Drum Advisor.

The problem is that, in life, most of us have been taught to “march to the beat of a different drummer” in pursuit of primarily personal desires and dreams, as writer Henry David Thoreau so famously suggested in his book Walden in 1854.

Thoreau makes an argument in favor of individualism when he asserts, “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.”

This school of thought has found a lasting place in American culture and is the plotline of many iconic movies and books. But I believe our ultimate sense of wellbeing comes from finding that wonderful place, that “pocket,” that “great balance” where in the rhythm of life, our contribution to humankind comes together with one accord.

In this issue of saconnects magazine, you’ll read stories about people who have found that balance in their lives—such as Zoro the Drummer and his ministry of music, Barbie Rodriguez and the hope she brings to people living along the Hudson River, and James Hall through his amazing recovery from drug misuse, to name a few.

They are people like you and me who’ve committed to being in God’s pocket, in His spiritual groove, and who serve humanity in His name.

This Thanksgiving and Christmas, may you slip into God’s pocket and strike that great balance between work, family, and self.

WARREN L. MAYE, Editor in Chief