In his song “Growing Older But Not Up”, Jimmy Buffett captures an attitude that many of us live by (and from what I can tell, Monte also embraced this philosophy). Not only is it OK to have fun as we grow older, but what would life be if we didn’t? Even Jesus said, “I have come that they might have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10)  Although Monte’s life was sadly cut short by many years, from everything I can tell he really LIVED the life he was given (having fun AND giving himself freely to others).

While I wholeheartedly agree with the “growing older but not up” philosophy, I’m not sure it has to be an “either/or” choice. While given no other option, I know many would agree with MR. Buffett and would rather “die while they’re living, than live while they’re dead”.  While I will always be a big kid at heart, I also believe that we can have fun AND hope to live when we are dead (a whole other discussion on grace versus works . As so many have sent their love to Monte and hope that he has “sailed on”, at times like this, don’t we find ourselves hoping and praying that all the fun we have had while here on earth is not all there is?

As a young boy, I remember watching the ships out on the ocean while standing on the sandy shores of VA Beach… they would at some point turn and head out over the horizon and then disappear. When I was young, I thought they were gone (the whole “flat earth thing”) but I later came to realize they were just “out of sight” (but still there).  Faith is hoping and trust that there is more to life than what we see and believing that there really is something to “sail on” towards (though we see or prove it from our limited vantage point).

My deepest condolences Monte’s family and friends, and here is to one who not only died too young while fully living, but has hopefully found something eternal beyond these finite shores.. blessings Monte, “sail on” in peace…

Thanks so much for your support. Folks like you keep me in business, and put diapers on my kid’s butt!

Mark

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Hey Jimmy,

You may or may not get this, but it’s time that I sat down a wrote it… Your music has had a great influence on me for over 30 years and I wanted to take a few moments and say thanks. I first discovered your music in the 70’s and I attended the concert in that you opened for the Eagles (Tidewater, VA). That same year, my parents got divorced (mom moved out and dad and I moved several times in the next few years) and I learned to play as many of your songs as I could… what a great escape from family stress your music provided! When I graduated from High School, I was such a fan(atic) that I was named “most likely to open for Jimmy Buffett” (still one of my fondest accolades).

At the same time, I also started attending church… kind of interesting that both you and that “other guy” celebrate your birthday on the same day I went to college, played in local bars and tried to figure out how I could best balance my faith and my fun (more often than not the fun side won out… in excess!) When I graduated from college (long story cut short here) I became a Presbyterian minister and drifted away from my parrothead roots (although I still bought and listened to all your new albums).

A few years ago I heard that Peter Mayer was playing a Christmas concert. I heard that he was a person who lived out his faith and still had fun (and was a Coral Reefer). I went to the concert and then went home and pulled out my guitar (another long story inserted here). I started a Buffett tribute band (with my wife and a few friends) and we have been having a wonderful time ever since (as both a pastor and a musician). We put together a CD of original songs, several which are being played on the radio. Although I haven’t “opened” for you “officially”, I have played numerous times at Cheeseburger in Paradise and at tailgating parties in Atlanta. People have said that I prove the saying “it’s never too late to have a happy childhood”. You helped me through some rough times and you keep inspiring me to have fun times (some find it odd that I am a pastor, others that I am a parrothead, I am thankful to have both influences in my life)… thanks!

“There’s a thin line between Sat. night and Sunday morning”,

Bry~ the Parrot Island Band

One of the special features at this event will be Sunday morning Worship by the river, including several Coral Reefer Band members and several of the other event participants. I will be leading/moderating the worship service and I am even writing a worship song for the event… from the chorus, “River runs deep, river runs wide.. the Spirit moves down deep inside, Lord please use these gift of mine, and let your love flow through me”. I think God really does give each of us gifts and talents that we can use to encourage the world around us. Maybe our gift is music, but maybe words of encouragement. Some I know are great at serving others and others just “being there” and listening. Have you thought about your gift/talent and how it might be used to make the world a better place? I would love to hear how you are opening yourself up and letting God’s love flow through you…

Gigs each night from 5:30 – 9:30.