The
more time I spend in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the harder it is to
say goodbye to choir members retiring each April. But today was the day
to indeed say that goodbye to 24 fellow brother and sisters who spent
anywhere from 5 to 20 years as a musical missionary for the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
To
recap policy, members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir are asked to serve
at least 5 years, minimum, but can continue singing in the Choir until
they turn 60 or until they've served 20 years--whichever comes first.
It's rather remarkable, when you think about it--serving 20 whole years.
That's 1/4th of a typical lifetime! But if you asked any of the
retirees today if their service in the Choir felt like a long time, they
would most certainly say "no" to that question. Time has a way of
passing very quickly, especially when you're engaged in something so
rewarding and spiritually fulfilling as singing in the Choir.
Those
retiring were asked to write down a few words (200 or less) recapping
their thoughts about, and experiences in, the Choir. Brother Mack
Wilberg had each of them come up one by one and then read their words.
As I sat there listening to each of the tributes, I kept thinking what
I'd want to say if it were my turn to leave. So much has happened in 4 1/2 years already! The more I thought about it, the more grateful I became. The East Coast tour, the European tour, ACDA, eight General Conferences, two Messiah concerts, four Christmas concerts, and over 200 Sunday broadcasts, just to name a few. I suppose if I had been retiring today, I could easily say it's been a very fulfilling experience.
While I didn't know most of the retirees too well, I enjoyed some good conversations with several of them over the years. They are good people who have served well and have impacted millions with their testimony and dedication. It was emotionally difficult to sing "God Be With You" to them, today, at the end of the retirement ceremony as their voices will no longer be heard in the loft, and their smiling faces won't be regularly seen in the underground hallways of the Tabernacle. But I suppose the character, Maria, from The Sound of Music, said it best: "Where the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window."
Until next time, God be with you. And for those who retired, may God be with you during your next journey in life!
PS: Some shots from today's broadcast featuring some of the men retirees:
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