Name the source:
You have been weighed, you have been measured, and you have been found wanting.
If you answered the prophet Daniel you’re close. He actually said, “You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.” That’s the New International Version translation. The Message reads thusly: You have been weighed on the scales and you don’t weigh much.” Who wouldn’t like to hear that, right? No, the correct answer is Lord Adhemar, from the movie A Knight’s Tale. Weird movie, with the morphed dance involving David Bowie’s Golden Years…but that’s not the point.
Levi, Lilly and I auditioned for some local theater productions tonight. We read some lines from a couple of plays, moved on to the room where we sang a few lines from some musicals, then headed to the dance portion of the evening. I haven’t done anything like this since high school, but my kids are old pros at the audition thing.
I thought I’d fare pretty well, since I sing for my supper each week, leading worship at church. I’ve performed with a traveling Southern Gospel group in the past, and I have no problem being in front of people on stage. I was a little worried about my dancing abilities, but since none of the musicals are dance-heavy, I figured things would turn out ok.
Levi and Lilly absolutely NAILED their auditions. Lilly was asked to read extra, and Levi was one of the few in our group asked to sing extra so that they could get a better sense of his range.
I bombed.
I totally blew the singing portion. Missed the starting note, missed the high notes, messed up the ending. I wasn’t nervous. I was just bad.
I suppose some days are like that. Lilly didn’t say anything to me when I was done, and all Levi could say was, “I’m sorry Dad. What happened?” Then they got up and knocked it out of the park! Lilly wasn’t even going to sing until we told her she should give it a shot, and she was good!
The night wasn’t a total loss. I had a good experience with two of my kids. I showed an interest in something they’re good at and passionate about. I took a risk, stepped out of my comfort zone, and tried something new. We’re pretty good friends with some of the fine folks in the community theater world, and I’ve always wondered if I had what it takes to do what they do.
Now I know!
Nobody likes to hear that they don’t have what it takes. No one wants to fail. It stings a little, or it hurts like a bear…depends on the size of the wound, I suppose.
There’s another round of auditions tomorrow night. I might wander back down there and give the singing another go. I know that I didn’t put my best foot forward tonight. My voice really isn’t a theater voice, I guess, but I sure would like another shot, a chance to redeem myself.
Failure isn’t fatal. I learned a little bit about myself, got to enjoy my kids doing what they do well, and can cross something off my list. There’s always something to be learned, and failure can be a very good teacher. No, failure isn’t fatal, but it’s not really fun, either…
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