My big takeaway from our concert at Northeast Saturday:  we are indeed a family, pulling together.

I was nervous about the concert.  I knew our part was to trust God, and I WAS trusting him, but I arrived at the church with a turmoil of thoughts about how many members were missing and how to cover for them.  I felt a heavy weight of responsibility.

I first ran into Paula in discussion with several handbell players about covering for Carol.  I overheard this discussion continuing on the bus, with a final statement from Paula, “Okay, we’ve got it.”

Then I ran into Grayson, who said, “Ben is still sick, but don’t worry, we’re going to figure out on the bus how to cover for him.  Zachary will play some viola and some second; and Sarah will play some second and some first.  Don’t worry, we’ll have it by the time we get there.”

Then I ran into Ann, who had driven over from her parents in North Carolina (where she is caring for her father) just to dance with us so Grace wouldn’t have to dance alone.  I asked her how she was doing.  She said, “Don’t worry, I’ve practiced with the video the dancers sent, and I feel good about it.”  She and Grace sat across from me on the bus.  I saw them reviewing choreography on their own and together.

I saw Tracy in the restroom.  She said, “This is going to be our best concert ever.”

During the concert, I caught sight of Meade’s face as we sang the “Gloria.”  It was radiant, transformed with glory as she sang.  I caught her joy and it moved me deeply.

I could feel the single-minded determination of all you singers to get it right during “While Shepherds Watched.”  Your intent communicated itself to me in a very visceral way.  And you did get it right.  It was by far the best you’ve done.

I rejoiced in the beauty of “Messiah, Prince of Peace” and thought how wonderful it is that we get to play it so many times.  It is becoming a part of us in a way that groups who only perform it once or twice cannot know.

I heard the gleefulness and excitement in Beth’s voice as she portrayed Lydia’s encounter with the angels.  I heard the men in the audience responding to the humor and the miracle of the story.

I watched in awe and thanksgiving as Julie signed our story and Scott’s message to a deaf prisoner – he was brand new at Northeast.  How humbling and wonderful that we could minister to him in this special way.

I heard Scott’s powerful message spellbound, and I thanked God for the gifts of communication He has given Scott.  I felt the profound peace and holiness of the presence of God descend on the room as I sat there.

Ann told me afterward that she had had a vision during Scott’s final prayer.  She saw a prison hallway with cells along both sides.  A prison guard was walking along the hall, opening one cell after another and releasing the prisoners.  At the end of the hall was another open door, leading outside to a warm, beautiful, and light-filled place.  All the prisoners were walking through that door into the freedom of new life.

I contemplated all this on the bus.  The way you all rallied together to problem-solve; your determination to do your very best and humbly commit yourselves to God for His use; the way He met us at every turn.  Tracy was right – it was our best concert to date.  As we finished “Arise, Shine” I found myself breathing hard and rejoicing because my vision for what I wanted this story to be had come to fruition; because the power of God had been in us; because we had fulfilled our calling that night.

Thank you, friends, for bearing the weight of ministry challenges and rejoicing in God’s work with me.  I cherish you.

Jill