Preaching to the Choir

I heard a story once of a primary music leader who was approached by a little girl after singing time.

“You lead music like Jesus does” she said.

The little girl’s mother explained that her daughter was referring to pictures of Jesus with His arms outstretched,
as if He were leading music.

The music leader left the sweet, short exchange with peace in her heart.

She said she did not always know what she could do, but she never forgot she led like Jesus that day.

Music has found me in unexpected ways lately.

Last spring, I found myself standing in front of a pink music stand looking out at a group of talented institute students.

My new assignment placed me as the institute choir conductor, and I was scared.

My hands and my voice shook the whole semester.

They still do sometimes.

But my students are kind.

They are forgiving.

They are amazing.

A few weeks ago, they sang in a devotional.

When they finished and made their way back to their seats the speaker said,

“This is who Jesus Christ is for me. He is a beautiful choir like that. I see Him there.”

I do too.

Every weekday at noon I see Him too.

I see Him in choir because there is room for everyone.

There is love.

There is patience.

There is trying.

There is humility.

There is unity.

He is there.

There is music in my home because of them.

Songs about the Savior on repeat as I practice and ponder and just try to keep up with them.

It is a privilege to know them.

To know a little of their story.

​To love them.

So even if there is just one, I’ll go.

I’ll straighten the pink stand and raise my hands high.

Because I can’t do much, but I can try to lead like Jesus.

As if He leads their music.

And He does.

I think He sings with them too.

I see Him in the “hello’s” before class.

I see Him as empty seats next to the lonely are filled.

I see Him as they welcome and invite each other.

I hear Him when they sing.

And I feel happy.

Happy just to be here and to watch it.

And happy to raise my hands where I can.