In my very first blog entry, I recollected a true event that happened right in our church. That event got me thinking about ways that a musician following a conductor is similar to us following God. If you haven't read the first one yet, please click the link and do so. I'll wait....
Well, we held the annual conference at SUMC recently, and two moments from that weekend gave me reason to revisit other aspects of this topic.
The first happened on Saturday, at the conference. I was called in to play the hymns. And I did so, faithfully. One of the people from another church brought along a Djembe Drum. I did not realize this until I suddenly heard drumming along with the music. Problem was: this guy was not playing at the same tempo as I was. He was keeping a clear beat of his own, but it wasn't in sync with me or the other singers. I later found out that he was one of the Pastors.
As we battled for the correct rhythm, I wondered, can he just not hear me? Is he trying to take charge and change the tempo? Is he hinting that the song should be faster or slower? And where does he get off telling ME what to do?
The speaker then reported about the National Methodist Conference. They were debating some changes to how the church does things. One particular issue was in such dispute, and time was running out, so they jumped the gun, and put in a final proposal just to get the issue off the table. Suddenly, someone stood up to speak. She reminded the assembly that the Holy Spirit was talking to them. They weren't done with this issue yet. They tabled the issue for more discussion until the next meeting.The report became a reminder that it's not all about us down here. It's about God's purpose, and serving God's will.
I was reminded that it's not all about me, the leader/conductor/organist, and it's not all about the drummer helper guy. What's important to God is that everyone is participating in the song. In a different layout of a church, I could help the drummer keep tempo with the rest of us. But all we could do for the moment, was just be, and participate.
The next day. Sunday. I woke up AT 9am. I'm supposed to be at church by 9am. I shouted some very unchristian words, and raced out the door. I called Seba, with simple instructions: I'll be there soon; go over the parts for today's anthem.
Now, it was Mother's Day, and our traditional Anthem for mother's day is a piece called "As A Mother Comforts Her Child." It's a bit deep, and not very pop-ish, and there's a verse about a bear killing someone who threatens her cubs. It also has some counterpoint which is doable, but very challenging for the choir. It's always a lot of work to get them psyched about doing it.
So, during the time I was commuting, the choir had some discussion. They started expressing that fear we all have of going out in front of people not fully prepared. They were unsure of the anthem, and a little intimidated by the response to the psalm for that day. Instead of spending that 15 minutes-half hour learning the parts to get ready, they debated whether or not to even do it, and with our pastor's permission, suggested an alternative anthem, and chose the easier alternate response for the psalm.
Now remember, in this allegory, I'm the conductor, representing God, and they are the choir, representing all of us. Has that ever happened to you? You hear and understand God's plan for you, and what you should do, but it seems difficult, and you are afraid of failure and humiliation; so you reason your way into finding an alternative course of action. One that strays from God's path for you.
When I finally arrived, and the choir informed me of the decisions regarding music planning that THEY did; I corrected them, ran through the parts of "As the Mother" and it went amazingly. Because of time constraints, I went with the alternate response for the psalm, which incidently, was for use during Christmastime. It was the first line of "Joy To The World." In May. On Mother's Day.
Often when we try to take the easier path, which we know is not God's plan, the results are just as disastrous. Before I started going back to church several years ago, I had not been defying God's instructions, but rather ignoring them, and trying to find my own way. Like a choir planning their own music without a conductor to guide them. After my return to the church, my way was clear, and things in my life became easier, and more managable. Still an occasional "bad performance" but nothing to compare with singing "Joy to The World" on Mother's Day.
Lord, forgive us when we try to reroute the journey you have planned for us. Help us to know our part, and give us the confidence to trust your guidance. And when someone or something throws off our tempo, help us to find a way to play together, rather than fight each other. Amen
But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living. Job 28:12-13
Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. Psalm 119:34-39
