If I'm honest (and I truly strive to be), I'd have to say that Choir has been a struggle for me for the past few weeks.
It's been difficult to find the excitement.
It's been easy to become cynical.
It's been challenging to bring life and light into some of the songs we're singing.
It's been hard not to let out a long sigh in anticipation of going through yet another rehearsal full of the exact same feedback we get week after week.
It's hard not to let the little things bother me and become annoyed at various things that are usually a part of every choir experience. Sometimes I even look at my watch Thursday nights and think "What? We have over an hour to go?"
Yes, I know what you're thinking. Or at least what some of you are thinking. That I need to take a deep breath, readjust my perspective, and truly realize how many people would absolutely LOVE to take my spot in the Choir. But you know what? Sometimes it just doesn't work. I try and try and try and I don't make much headway.
I still feel, in my heart, and when I pray about it, that I should stay in this truly grand calling for the unforeseeable future. I still have a work to do. I still have people to influence. Basically, God's not done with me being in the Choir....yet. So because I know and feel these things, I'm left with the task of trying even harder to get the love of this calling back. I've had that love for years and years, only occasionally needing to stave off the complexities of complacency. But now as I start year 7, the complacency battle has reached a new level. I need to attack it from multiple angles and it's going to take a lot of work.
I've come to realize that the one thing that helps me the most in this battle is REMEMBERING. Remembering how I felt in year #1. Remembering the magic of each song and how I felt when I sang each of them for the first time. Remembering that people around the world are counting on me (which I believe is true). Remembering that there is growth and there are opportunities to improve with repetition. Remembering that I am far, far from perfect and to apply constructive criticism from my directors directly to me. Remembering those times that certain songs have touched me so deeply that I can't imagine my life or my testimony without them. Remembering that at least half of a good attitude is tied to gratitude.
So. That is my plan. To remember. And if anyone would like to join me on my "Remembering Journey", I'd love to have you along.
Until next time, God be with you.
Hello Ryan. My name is Quirino. I'm 17 years old and I have been blessed with the opportunity to drive to each broadcast each Sunday since I was able to drive.
ReplyDeleteI want to share with you some advice that I have found helpful and useful for me in my life. This month has been really frustrating for me in different aspects of my life. Whether it be not achieving a desirable test score or finding out that the choir would be performing in the CC until Feb. 2 instead of in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, but nonetheless what has got me through each week and day has been the simple phrase: "It well with my soul." In addition to that, I have also been enlightened by imagining that maybe the choir directors are saving up the "brightening, enlightening" songs for the broadcasts when the choir returns back to the Tabernacle so that they may have more meaning in there instead of the CC. Also, I hope that the song "My God, My Portion, and My Love" will help you "Remember" x, y, & z. At least for me, this song, especially the build up to the zenith of the song (3:13), helps me remember why I go to M&SW each week. I'm not required to attend the broadcast whatsoever, but I still decide to go on my own since I have enjoyed many of the songs great and small. I hope that this song will be useful in your aspirations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4bVUoxJ-yw
Thank you Quirino. I really appreciate your suggestions and I will definitely listen to that song. I'm glad you come to the broadcast every week and I, too, look forward to the time when we'll be back in the Tabernacle--on Feb 9th. You mentioned "Well with My Soul". I like that phrase too (and I really like that song) so I will try and add that to the things I want to remember. Thanks so much for your advice and taking the time to comment. I wish you well!
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