One of my best friends through my experience in the Choir has been Ryan Bateman. Ryan started with the Choir back in 1999, long before I even considered auditioning for the Choir. Throughout his time with this musical organization, he has had some incredible experiences, insights, and feelings--many of which he shared today in a "homecoming" talk he gave via Zoom in his ward. I just wanted to share a few things I thought about as he spoke, but first wanted to say thanks to his bishop who asked him to speak in the first place. There aren't a lot of people who initially consider members of the Tabernacle Choir as actual missionaries. So I'm glad his bishop recognized that and glad that even though we're in the middle of this pandemic with non-traditional ward meetings going on, he remember Ryan's completion of 20 years of service and knew that he would bless the lives of those who chose to tune in and hear him speak.
Along with the large number of regular choir events Ryan attended (think 20 years x 52 broadcasts + 20 years x 6 sessions of Conference + 20 years x at least 3 concerts), Ryan also attended every single tour during that time that the Choir went on which spanned places from around the globe. He got to sing at the 2002 Utah Winter Olympic Games opening ceremony as well. Ryan also mentioned a more recent highlight that was part of the 2018 West Coast tour in which the Gay Men's Choir was asked to sing with the Tabernacle Choir during one of their concert rehearsals. Why was this significant? Mainly because there has traditionally been some tension between the gay community and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But on that occasion, those walls of tension came down and it was less about self-identity and doctrinal beliefs and more about singing together as brothers and sisters. This theme of unity and having everyone come to believe they are all a part of God's family is one of the goals the Choir has as it spreads its message of "love thy neighbor" throughout the world.
One thing Ryan mentioned was that of personal sacrifice. As Ryan's not a morning person, joining the Choir meant waking up at 6AM every Sunday for the next 1,000+ Sundays. But he was quick to say that such a sacrifice was worth it as he joined with his fellow Choir friends to make music that not only inspired and lifted others, but inspired and lifted himself. Who can measure the depth and breadth of spiritual connection that comes from singing about God, Christ, and every heavenly attribute? Who can calculate the tethering effects such music has on a person's personal testimony and connection with the divine?
As I reflected on the thoughts Ryan shared, I felt grateful for the experiences he's had and his willingness to give so that he and so many others could receive. I also felt grateful for the future time in which the choir will resume singing and bringing increased light to a world that is ever darkening.
Overall, I'm grateful for the friendship I have with Ryan and the many things he's taught me personally. His patience, thoughtfulness, kindness, and support are only a handful of attributes that have not only blessed my life, but have blessed all members of the Choir who have associated with him. His uniqueness has reached souls that only he could uplift--and I have no doubt that one day he'll meet these currently unknown individuals who have been impacted by his service and come to realize first-hand how he blessed their lives in so many ways.
The power of service.
We always receive so much more than we give.
Until next time, God be with you.
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