This past week was the busiest week of the year for the Choir. Minus Monday night, all the other nights (+ Sunday morning) was spent at the Conference Center prepping for and performing the 2021 Christmas Concert.
While the whole "choir experience" is still difficult for me right now, I did want to list off ten grateful blessings I was a recipient of this past week. These will be given in no particular order.
10. I was grateful to have had zero traffic issues commuting into the Conference Center. Tuesday night's snow storm was really stressful to travel home in, but aside from that, things were good.
9. I was grateful to witness the legions of people sacrificing so much time and effort to make this concert a reality. It's always so amazing to me how many people it takes and how most of those people do their tasks with a smile. From the filming crew, to the teleprompter guy, to the cafeteria staff, to the make-up team, to the musicians , to the security staff, and 100s of others, thank you.
8. I was grateful to spend time with choir members during breaks and other "down" moments. We normally get so little time to do that (particularly with the covid protocols) that it's refreshingly nice when we do.
7. I was grateful to hear about friends and family who came to the concerts and their positive reactions. Some shared on the choir's FB account how various songs/experiences seemed to be custom-made just for their loved ones who really needed to feel the spirit of Christ in their lives at this particular time.
6. I was grateful that the Choir got to sing "Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head". I enjoyed other songs we sang, too, but this one was my favorite. The choir rarely does anything acapella and not only was this one sung acapella, but it was sung while we were closer together--sort of in a huddle of sorts. It all produced a special feeling.
5. I was grateful that the two special guests were given the opportunity to talk with the choir and tell us all more about them and their beliefs and how much they loved the opportunity they were given to participate with the choir. Both Megan and Neal are devout Christians (despite Neal always playing the "bad guy" on TV and in movies) and their faith/beliefs are a major part of their lives. They are very family oriented and seem to have their priorities straight.
4. I was grateful that during that session, Neal suggested we pray. So we all stood and prayed Irish Catholic style. It's very meaningful to be part of faith-bridging and to know we're all brothers and sisters.
3. I was grateful to watch Ryan Murphy direct the few numbers he did. He was all smiles and I could tell hew was really enjoying every moment.
2. I was grateful to witness Megan trying to fix just a few notes she was trying to sing perfectly during our recording session. She accepted the constructive criticism Mack and Ryan gave her with grace and appreciation. It gave credit to the statement she made later during the "sharing session" (#5 above) when she said that one of the things she strives for in the entertainment business she's in, is to find people who are not only supportive of her and her talents when things are going well, but to find people that are still supportive when she fails.
1. I was grateful to Rick Elliott who spotted me walking a few steps behind him (as we were headed to one of our rehearsals) and took the time to ask how I was and how I was faring during this busy week. He didn't have to do that. But it showed me that even one of the most talented organists in the world humbly seeks out the one to minister to.
Hope you all have a very merry Christmas. The choir doesn't resume operations until January 6th, so I'll "talk" to you all then.
Until next time, God be with you.
