Journeys into Space

Martin Smith writes "Life is a little different for me right now. I have just broken my personal record of 5 Saturdays at home in a row. In fact I have completely shattered it as I’m now up to Saturday number 12 without being on the road somewhere."

In that time I have become the king of the family bike ride, learnt to cook chicken fajitas and watched almost every single Match of the Day. I’ve even played bass at church for the first time ever which was more nerve racking than playing at Milton Keynes Bowl!

Yes, I’m in transition, on a journey to something new without knowing what it is or where it is or how long it will take to get there. I have spent the last 20 years with a microphone in my hand, travelling continents in pursuit of spiritual explosions. I’ve always believed in the power of music and the crazy concept that it can break peoples hearts. It’s not a new concept though, in fact the shepherd boy David knew that when he played his harp the ‘atmosphere’ around him changed so much that there was always an emotional explosion. I love words, words are powerful, but music is more so. It can weave between the defenses of a hard heart and reveal the depths of love, joy, pain and regret. King Saul knew all about this when everytime David strummed it must have felt like the boy was playing upon his very own heartstrings.

A strange thing is happening to me. I’m discovering an amazing commodity. It’s called ‘space’. It’s revealing a world to me that I seldom knew existed. Time to walk, read, fall in love again and spend minutes not just seconds gazing upon my childrens faces as they sleep. I’ve nothing really against the ‘100 mph’ worship sets and the challenge of cramming 19 songs into 22 minutes but I feel a new thing coming.

I’m seeing again that ‘space’ is as important as content. Silence as important as singing. Our music and art filled with more beauty, more grace and definitely more space. It’s in the layer beneath the text that God speaks to us, it’s in the silence we hear Gods heartbeat and without knowing the sound of Gods voice, simply, we are scuppered.

For the first time in 20 years I don’t have a plan and I’m learning again to wait. Waiting is difficult for someone used to not having to, but the joy that can be found in the space is indescribable. My son Noah said my fajitas were ‘wicked’. That can make a mans heart explode!

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Martin Smith is married to Anna and they have six children; Elle-Anna, Noah, Indi-Anna, Levi, Ruby and Mary. Based in Littlehampton at Arun Community Church, Martin is the front guy in the band Delirious? Their songs include ‘I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever’, ‘Majesty’ and ‘What A friend I’ve Found’. Martin and Anna have recently started Compassionart; a charity which raises money to help breathe life into the poorest communities, restoring hope and igniting justice.