A few weeks ago, I published a rather vulnerable post about how the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square doesn't need its members (in the short term) to fulfill its mission. This was a personal opinion post based on my own thoughts, with conclusions derived from my own perspective and observations. While I still stand by what I said in that post, I do want to take the opportunity to expand on it a little bit.
First, I think it's important to define the mission of the Choir. From the Choir's own website, we read: "The Tabernacle Choir is dedicated to the universal language of music that has the power to bring joy, peace, and healing to its listeners. This unique music organization transcends cultural and generational boundaries and brings together people from around the world through stirring music."
From the handbook that Choir members receive, we read a more succinct statement: "The mission of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square is to serve as goodwill ambassadors for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and through music prepare the hearts of members and non-members throughout the world to actively follow the teachings of Jesus Christ."
As I mentioned in my prior post, during this reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Choir continues to fulfill this mission by utilizing its vast archive of past performances. Each week, people around the world can watch and/or listen to Music & the Spoken Word, can tap into the Choir's albums found on music streaming services, can utilize the Choir's own streaming mobile app, and can rewatch their DVDs of past concerts. They can also go onto the Church's website and access a very large number of past General Conference performances. Those who choose to do these things can have their hearts prepared and can be uplifted with joy, peace, and healing. The countless hours and sacrifice that Choir members, directors, and staff have put into each of these songs and performances continues to pay dividends; and listeners around the world continue to be inspired.
So if the Choir's mission is largely being fulfilled on its own right now, what can I do, as a Choir member, to still be part of that mission fulfillment process? Should I still play an active roll, and if so, how exactly?
These questions really made me think.
After some pondering and introspection, I came up with a few things that made sense to me personally. First, I can encourage others to listen to the Choir's music through any of the various means available. Second, within that encouraging, I can include personal feelings of how the music has uplifted and helped me. Third, as I pray for people and pray for the world at large during this time when so many are suffering in so many different ways, I can include a plea that they will find (or be led to) the Choir's music. And once the music is found, it will play an important part of that person's individual journey of finding peace and hope. Fourth, I can be a strength to other choir members--not just because I want to be a friend, but because at some point, we WILL sing together again and we'll need our testimonies of Jesus Christ strong and vibrant and ready to be fused with our music. And lastly, I can be open to any other "fulfilling the mission" ways that might come into my head and heart in the days to come.
While thinking about all of this, I just wanted to invite you to consider what missions you're a part of right now--especially missions that you may feel are on auto-pilot. Are you on a mission to be a better parent, a better sibling, or a better friend? What could you do to better fulfill that mission? Are you part of a mission associated with a company or organization that could use more of your creativity and best efforts? When you're out and about in public, maybe on a mini-mission to pick up things you need at a local grocery store or retail outlet, what can you do to fulfill that mission in a way that not only accomplishes your end goal, but at the same time exhibits kindness and respect to others?
Regardless, I hope we can all be an active part of fulfilling the missions we're a part of. Doing so will undoubtedly bless our lives and the lives of others--and may give us just the boost we need.
Until next time, God be with you.
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