TCATS #277 - New Perspectives/ Retirements

Instead of attending Choir rehearsal this past Thursday evening, I spent my time supporting both my wife and daughter at a Centerville Jr. High end-of-year Cheer Banquet (since my wife is the Cheer Coach, and my daughter is one of the cheerleaders). It was a very nice evening, as I was more than happy to be in attendance to honor them and all of the hard work they've put into cheer this past school year. 

Missing Thursday night though, meant sitting in the "penalty box" this morning in an observing role only. As the choir rehearsed, I decided to wander to the back of the Tabernacle and see things from that perspective. I quite enjoyed it. It gave me the opportunity to smile at the people coming in, to see them up close, and to hear the choir and orchestra in a "balanced" way (since sitting anywhere else in the Tabernacle will give you a very different listening experience). 

During the break, I took a stroll outside and ran into Ben who was headed off to welcome people who had brought small children and therefore couldn't watch the broadcast from the actual Tabernacle. Instead, these folks took a seat in an auditorium in the North Visitors Center. After one of the Tabernacle Choir sisters greeted them, Ben and the others went up into the seats to personally talk to the people and answer any questions they might have. I appreciated  the perspective that experience gave me because most of us during the break just hang out and talk to friends in the choir. Ben, along with these other choir members though, actually keep on serving during the break by helping people feel welcome and loved. 

Those retiring were asked to stand and be recognized.

At the end of the broadcast, those retiring from the choir today were asked to stand and be recognized. There were 31 of them. I did not stay for the actual retirement ceremony afterwards, but my prayers were with them as I knew it was going to be a difficult thing to formally and officially say goodbye. I don't like endings, myself, and I don't like thinking about them for other people, either. Change is always hard, especially when you don't know what's next in life--what doors will be opened. But, I know God loves these brothers and sisters who have served anywhere from 5 to 20 years in the choir, and I sincerely hope they feel God's love for them as they start a new era of service in various other ways. 

Until next time, God be with you. 

P.S. Unbeknownst to me, the Spoken Word today included some thoughts on Perspective. Check it out HERE.