Tonight my wife and I, with the newest Sublett daughter in tow, attended our son’s 9th grade choir concert. I have to admit, I was a little skeptical. After all, I’ve been in youth ministry over 20 years. Do you know how many 9th grade concerts I’ve endured? Have you ever witnessed the aural phenomenon that is the 9th grade violin player? How about 25 of them?
But somewhere along the way, despite my apprehensions, something magical happened. I saw young men and women displaying the fruit of their discipline, their faces beaming with pride as they showcased the result of hours and hours, even years of effort. How many hours have their parents had to put up with the screeching and groaning of a newly discovered instrument through the almost-but-not-quite closed bedroom door? How many rudimentary drum lessons were played on kitchen tables leading to tonight’s performance? How many times did they have to answer the question that floated down the stairs: “How many more minutes do I have to practice?”
I don’t know if it was the soaring interplay of the violins and cellos, the haunting melodies of the a cappella pieces, or the skillful precision of the triangle player…but it clicked tonight. It was beautiful, creative, and wonderful. But there was so much more going on than just a musical performance.
We got to witness a creative community coming together to show what discipline and determination can produce. I saw the faces of many of my former students, brows etched with concentration, huge smiles and a bit of relief when the piece was finished. Parents that have shared rides and practice times, developing bonds that transcend the everyday busyness of life. Friends who have struggled together, cheering and pushing one another to be better, to be greater than they imagined possible.
This concert may not be remembered by many as the pages of the calendar are turned, but it will stick with me. I know and love many of the young men and women who shared their hearts with their community tonight. And that is a priceless gift.
The choir opened with Set Me As A Seal (John Leavitt), which takes its text from Song of Solomon 8. The truth wrapped so delicately in their song left me speechless…
Place me like a seal over your heart,
like a seal on your arm;
for love is as strong as death,
its jealousy unyielding as the grave.
It burns like blazing fire,
like a mighty flame.
Many waters cannot quench love;
rivers cannot sweep it away.
O Lord, show your love–THAT LOVE–to those students, their families, their teachers…
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