MTC Week #42 - To the End

Each week during our Thursday night rehearsals, visitors on Temple Square come into the Tabernacle to listen. Many are lined up and ready to enter as soon as the doors open at 7:30. For the next 45 minutes or so, additional visitors wander in--they having perhaps heard the music from a far and come to join the others. 

As time marches forward, and as the 8:30 mark rolls around, many have already left. And by 8:45, there is only a fairly small group remaining. But that small group consists of individuals who are "committed to the end." They have come prepared to stay. I can only assume that they just love listening to the choir so much that they want to be there until the entire rehearsal is over.

Interestingly enough, Bro. Wilberg waits to greet our visitors sometime during the 8:30 to 8:45 time frame. This admittedly troubles me a bit because I always think "Why doesn't he turn around to the visitors around 7:45 when the population is at its largest?" (Even asking this question, I already know the answer because I know how Bro. Wilberg operates. After he starts us rehearsing, he doesn't want to lose any momentum! He wants to utilize every precious minute with the choir and orchestra preparing us for our future performances.) 

That all said, this whole situation parallels the great parable of the Ten Virgins which the Savior taught during his ministry (watch a depiction of this parable, here). By no means am I wanting to imply that those who leave our rehearsals before we're done are foolish or not prepared! Certainly not. We are honored they are even there and love all who come and listen, if only for a few minutes. We hope their lives are uplifted and blessed for the better (and we know they have things to get to). But in the spirit of this parable, those who wait until the final hour are rewarded by an official greeting by Bro. Wilberg and they are invited to our Sunday performance--which, compared to our rehearsal, is a more enjoyable experience with out all of the starts and stops.

Likening this to our own lives, are we prepared? Are we committed to living a Christ-like life until the end? Do we love Christ enough to put other things aside and follow Him?

As an aside, everything about today's Music & Spoken Word rehearsal and performance was near perfect. I loved being there, loved where I got to sit, loved those I got to interact with, and even the post performance rehearsal was rewarding. Add to that a beautiful day outside with wonderful Fall weather and all of the trees turning various colors....well, I just felt grateful and blessed.

Until next time, God be with you!


PS: congrats to my new good friend Ryan Bateman who is marking his 15th anniversary with the choir. Wow.