“The Lord was ready to save me;
Therefore we will sing my songs with stringed instruments
All the days of our life, in the house of the Lord.” – Isaiah 38:20

A few days ago I received a calendar alert reminding me that November 14 marks the 2nd anniversary of my dad’s death in 2022. Over the ensuing ten months there had been a huge rush of everything – grief, care for my mum, logistics, emotion, details. There was so much to process and to deal with until, and beyond, September 15 of last year – the day mum passed away too.

Then it was more of the same, along with our “temporary” move over here to Tarboro, and before I knew it another year had passed.

So the calendar alert caught me a little off guard and, as Rebekah and I talked about it, I realized that I had failed to set aside something special as a remembrance, as a gift, as my mum and dad’s last generous gesture: “Here, Derek, have this and let it represent our love and our care and our lifetime of giving. This is for you, with love from your mum and dad.”

So I listened to my heart and spent several days of focused research until I found this amazing guitar. It’s one of those no way I’m spending this much on myself things; it’s over-the-top special; it’s the Taylor I have always wanted; it’s literally the best guitar they make.

I already own two amazing Ovations Rebekah gifted me (1980 and 1999) – but the voicing of this new guitar represents an entirely different sound. I also have the phenomenal bluesy Epiphone Sheraton electric guitar Naomi found for me several years ago. But this new instrument is not like that, it is completely different.

Taylor Guitars:

Several years ago I flew to San Diego to lead a men’s conference for a United Methodist Church. The leader invited me a day early to show me around the city, and the tour included a few hours at the Taylor Guitar factory. Ever since that day I have known exactly what I wanted if I ever found myself in a position to purchase a high end instrument.

This is not just an amazing guitar, it is a hand-crafted piece of art.

“The opening”

It will be hard for you to miss noticing my genuine enthusiasm if you watch this short “Opening the box” video. It’s just 90-seconds but I’m sure you will enjoy my reaction when I first see the instrument.

The feeling I have in response to this gift is similar to my experience every Tuesday morning, when I walk into a room filled with men gracious enough to listen to my stumbling words about the scripture for the day.

The feeling goes like this: “Am I worthy of this great privilege?” “Am I worthy of the attention and the respect of all these faith-filled men?” “Am I worthy of such an exquisitely crafted instrument?”

Time will tell. In the meanwhile, enjoy this beautiful work of art. I know I am – DEREK