MTC #212 - Just Play Your Part

One of the challenges of being in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is being completely focused during rehearsals--and particularly during performances. I'm one of those people who sometimes has a difficult time with this because of what's going on out in the audience. It's not that the audience members are doing anything wrong or being distracting, it's just that I want them to have the best experience possible. 

As they walk in, I see them heading towards seats closest to the choir and orchestra--only to be course-corrected by the ushers (who have been instructed to keep the audience in certain sections). I see some who sometimes get past the ushers, get comfortable, and then be told they have to go find another spot. I sometimes see a large number of prime viewing rows on the main floor be blocked off by "reserved" signs and wonder if that makes other people feel less important and frustrated. I see several people who sit alone and it makes me instinctively sad. I want to go sit next to them and give them a personal welcome (though I realize some may prefer isolation or simply be OK with it). I get frustrated when people who have come to watch us rehearse aren't greeted until most of them have actually left already. 

And the list goes on.

I have to remember, though, a very important fact of life: we all have a part to play and, to the extent possible, I need to let go of those things I have no control over. It does me absolutely no good to worry about any of the scenarios described above. In fact, said scenarios are a distraction and take away from my own part to play: a focused, unified singer. I should have faith that the ushers can handle the audience (we love you, ushers--you sometimes have a very hard job!), I should let the director decide when it's best to extend a welcome, and I should let individual audience members manage their own musical and spiritual experience. And then after letting go of all of those things, I can do what I've been asked to do, and what I love to do, much more efficiently and effectively. 

I suppose there's a life lesson here no matter who you are and what each day entails for you. Play your part, avoid distractions, keep your "eye on the prize", and life will be better.  I can promise you it will.

Until next time, God be with you.