The death of Eddie Van Halen brought home the realization that 65 isn’t as old as it used to be. When I was a young teen aspiring rockstar, anything over 30 seemed old. Heck, over 40 looked practically ancient. Now, me at double nickels, thinks Eddie still had a lot of good miles left on his tires. Unfortunately, Eddie succumbed to throat cancer Tuesday morning, leaving us a legacy of great jams and with a big musical void, much like the death of John Lennon did forty years ago. EVH revolutionized rock guitar like Lennon revolutionized music.
Prior to the Beatles, no one had heard anything like the music Lennon and his band mates (Paul, George, and Ringo) produced. In the same way, the first time we heard Eddie rip a lick on his guitar, he blew up rock guitar as we once knew it, mesmerizing us with the speed, agility, and power of his playing.
For sure, I’m a different guy than fifteen year old me. But I still love cranking me up some Van Halen.
When we excel at something, I think we are honoring the God who created us with the ability to do that thing in the first place. I believe when we innovate and revolutionize the way something is done, changing it for the better forever going forward, we bring praise to the glory of God.
Reflection Questions:
1. Who was your favorite band or musician when you were a kid?
2. How has music influenced your life?
3. In what way do you see age differently now than when you were younger?
4. If you’re younger, what age seems old to you?
5. What is something you excel at? Can you see how it brings praise to the glory of God?
That’s my two cents for today. RIP EVH. Thanks for the music and the memories.
Prayer:
God, thank You for the gift of music and the blessing it is to us. May we draw closer to You through music and see the wonder of You in the music we make and listen to in our daily life. For the praise of Your glory! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Blessings,
The Devotional Guy™
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The Devotional Guy™ 
It is only this year that I have obediently turned over my writing to our Father God. I wasted so many years not being obedient I am desperately trying to use every moment and every word for His glory now. I just pray I have enough years to glorify Him even more still!
Thank you brother for your inspiration today, God bless you today.
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Brother, that’s fantastic news about deciding to turn your writing over to our Lord. That’s a big decision and a huge commitment, but one I believe will delight Him as you continue to follow His path. It’s challenging, no doubt, because I understand the sense of urgency. But writing anything is challenging. Continued well wishes on your writing journey. Again, thank you for reading. If any part of my writing inspires anyone than all praise be to the Lord. Thank you for your encouraging comment(s).
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Great post, brother. I was hugely bummed to hear the news the other day. He was definitely one of the greats.
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Thanks, Jim. Off for your morning ride? I greatly appreciate your comments, brother. They are an encouragement to me. Blessings.
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Sadly, no morning rides unless they’re Saturday or Sunday… I’m an afternoon/evening guy now. Work is too busy (but that’s a good thing).
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Yes, work is a great blessing. Hope you enjoy your ride later today. It’s inspiring to see your dedication to it.
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Thanks, brother! 😁
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I was never one of those kids who looked at adults as old, I just saw them as having more experience.
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Thanks for sharing your personal insights, Wendi. That seems like an excellent perspective on older folks.
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thank you………we have so much to learn from those who have gone before us and it’s too bad that American culture does not revere our elders as we should.
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There is a different reverence of elders in Western culture, in general, for sure. And I think the age we view people as being valued, productive members of society is vastly different than it used to be. But maybe that’s because I am older now.
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our society has become too fast paced………..people don’t want to sit and listen. if it’s not in a tweet or 30 second video, kids lose interest……..
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When I was a teenager it was all about Van Halen and Huey Lewis and the News. I know, not the same type of music😀
At some point, Huey’s more wholesome lyrics (and life) won out. But then I discovered the Christian metal band Stryper!
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Thanks for sharing that personal insight, David. Huey isn’t in too great of health either, I believe. And I heard Stryper just put out some new music. Rock on! Blessings.
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