Perspective

We went to a highschool play last night with some friends. They were checking out the drama department for their talented daughter. The play was Suessical, the Dr. Seuss stories rearranged and conglomerated and put to music. I was impressed by what all those young kids could accomplish and one or two singers were really fantastic. I was even moved to tears by Horton and his lady love in the play, Gertrud the bird with the meager tail.

But my attention kept going to the percussionist in the orchestra pit which was just in front of us. His face was lit up and since he was right in our line of vision, I would snatch peeks at what he was up to throughout the play. He is not what the director intended any one to watch, and he would often sit for long stretches not playing anything. At times, he would lay his head down on his drum and appear to want to nap. Yet unerringly, when his part came, he would suddenly focus, peer intently at the director, and then play some strange little bell, or wooden block, or tingly chimes. He seemed so wholeheartedly into the music during those times, sometimes his mouth would move mimicking the rhythm of the melody or of the drum. And while his part was never large, it was always something that added the perfect touch to the music, the one elusive sound it needed, though I never knew it needed it, until I heard it.

I realized that I am like that drummer, in fact I would bet most of us are. My role is not a major one, and often what I do is off the main stage, not likely to bring applause or boos.... more likely overlooked. For long stretches, it seems that the world is spinning just fine without me, and it almost looks like my part in the cast is unneeded. But then when the director needs that little extra trill, or clash, or rumble, or tinkling bell, I am called into action and if I fail, the audience might never notice, but the director will. And when I succeed, there is a subconscious nod from the audience, that something that was needed, even perfect for the part, just made its presence known.

Matthew 25: 21
²¹"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'