The extra busy weeks for the Choir have begun! We met Tuesday night to work on Christmas music, then met an hour earlier on Thursday for Inservice (a review of good singing practices), had our regular Thursday rehearsal, then stayed after our Sunday broadcast to continue learning Christmas songs. This is how it will go for the next few weeks until Christmas Concert week arrives and we are at the Conference Center every night except Monday. Of course, we all knew this was coming--as it comes every year. But the reality of going through it and spending so much time away from home and family is a reality that can be anticipated, but not fully appreciated, until you're right in the middle of it. That all said, learning Christmas music is definitely a rewarding experience for which I'm grateful to have. I can't imagine the Christmas season without it.
Aside from the early Christmas focus, the broadcast today was all about being THANKFUL, seeing as how the Thanksgiving holiday is just four days away. I have plenty to be thankful for and could make a very long list of blessings in my life. But for purposes of this post, I want to share ten blessings (in no particular order) of being in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
10. I'm thankful to simply be able to sing several times a week. It uplifts me and helps me be a better husband, father, and friend.
9. I'm thankful to sing to so many people each week. The reality that the Choir's melodic message gets heard each week by potentially millions of people is humbling.
8. I'm thankful to associate with so many great people in the Choir. Whether it's with those who have become dear friends or just with those who I talk to only occasionally when circumstance puts us together, I've become a better person through their influence.
7. I'm thankful for energetic and talented directors who tirelessly extract the best from me.
6. I'm thankful for the types of songs the Choir gets to sing. Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, nature, joy, praise, love and heaven-earth connection are all themes that speak to my soul.
5. I'm thankful for Lloyd Newell (and his writing staff) who consistently puts together messages that are insightful, thought-provoking, and timely.
4. I'm thankful for a wife and for children who's love and support allow me this opportunity and for being able to see how the Choir has impacted their lives.
3. I'm thankful for the many, many people behind the scenes who's efforts I don't always see directly, but are woven in and out of any success the choir takes credit for.
2. I'm thankful for the orchestra members and the bell ringers who do such a fantastic job both performing on their own, and when accompanying the choir.
1. I'm thankful just to have this opportunity in the first place! I'm grateful for a Heavenly Father who saw fit, for whatever reason, to give me such a unique opportunity.
Until next time, God be with.
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