Post #300.
Have I already spent 300 weeks in the choir?
My wife, who is such an incredible support to me, would answer that question with an emphatic "yes"! (And in all seriousness, a big thanks to her for years of going to church without me, cheerfully enduring all of the choir conversation when we meet with friends and family, holding down the fort when I'm at regular rehearsals and all of the extra rehearsals, and helping me make sometimes difficult choir-related decisions. SHE IS THE BEST)
This weekend was the General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As such, the choir was busy preparing for that event by rehearsing not just on Thursday, as we normally do, but on Tuesday evening as well. There are plenty of official reports about Conference itself (HERE and HERE, just to name a few) and probably some mention of the Tabernacle Choir providing the music for three of the sessions. But rather than give a play by play or a general overview or a top ten list, I just want to write about a few things I saw and felt as a member of the Tabernacle Choir participating in this worldwide Church event.
>>I saw so many volunteers everywhere I looked. The hundreds of ushers, the florists (shout out to Andrew!), the camera technicians, the overall timing and production coordinators, the security personnel, those driving the electric carts to shuttle general authorities and their families, those preparing and serving food, those putting out water next to each chair on the stand...the list just goes on and on. I felt very grateful for all of them.
>>I saw a special needs young lady just a few rows from the front with family on either side of her. During one of the congregational hymns, her family helped her stand and swayed her arms to the pulse of the music. Perhaps she couldn't hear very well and they were helping her get a sense of how the music felt. At any rate, it brought a smile to my face.
>>I saw several general authorities heartily congratulate Elder Johnson after he gave his talk and made his way back to his seat. There were a couple of handshakes given to him, but hugs were the most common form of "job well done!". It was nice to witness such loving support--support that the men and women who lead the church give to each other often.
>>I saw Bishop Gérald Caussé come up after the last session of conference and give handshakes and hugs to Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy, as well as taking the time to wave and smile to the choir and the organists.
>>I felt overwhelmingly happy while singing "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" (will be posted HERE soon) as the last song at the Sunday morning session. That song never disappoints. I just always pray while singing it that I won't cry too much (because that would cause a very running nose and a froggy throat--neither of which are conducive to singing!).
>>I saw groups of choir members chatting during the breaks--smiling, laughing, and enjoying one another's company. In the choir loft, quiet talking before the sessions or rehearsals centered around various aspects of the music, how fortunate people felt to be there participating, funny mishaps from past conferences, and inquiries about things going on in each other's lives.
>>I saw Nathan Wright. And I felt sad that this conference marked the end of his choir journey that started back in 1998. I gave him a big hug afterwards and wished him good luck in his future endeavors.
>>I felt grateful for a few particular friends in the choir, who's hugs, smiles, words of encouragement, fist-bumps after nailing a song, and excellent musicianship are soooo appreciated.
>>I felt pleased when our directors Mack and Ryan told us how happy they were with all of the work we put into conference and how well all the songs went.
>>I felt grateful to dedicate the song "More Holiness Give Me" to my wife. Every conference, I dedicate one song to her (which mostly just means I think of her while I sing it--and she knows I'm thinking of her) and this time, since her yearlong goal for 2019 was have more holiness in every part of her life, she chose that one. Which of course fit perfectly.
>>I felt grateful, too, as I just sat there for a few minutes and looked out at the 21,000+ individuals who were seated in the Conference Center. As they eagerly awaited instruction on how they could improve their lives, I thought how amazing it is that there are so many people in this world, and each one is someone who God loves and treasures.
>>Lastly, I felt eager to be more loving, kind, and supportive to everyone around me.
My hope is that I can do just that.
Until next time, God be with you.
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| Hanging out with good friends at lunch! |
We found it much easier to spot you once you told me where you would be sitting.
ReplyDeleteWe just assume that the choir will do great -- you always do. We love conference and it wouldn't be conference without the music. You solidify each and every counsel given and we are grateful that you have been willing to put in the time and effort to bless our lives.