Focus

I am a pretty good multi-tasker most days.  During Carols, that gift is challenged because there are a thousand moving parts and I am trying to watch them all. Needless to say, things get missed, usually because I miss one thing while trying to tend to something else. Sometimes, I simply forget (human!).

Sometimes, I am totally distracted by something else. Happened last night. Doing the processional during rehearsal. I had worked on (studied) cues for me to give the choir all afternoon. These included making sure I updated the notes on processional entrances. We start rehearsal. I am watching. Loges – really good. Nosebleed – excellent. People direct into loft – much better. Main aisles – ????. I turned around to look at them and caught a glimpse of the manger in the box. Totally blown away! Happens every time I see this scene. This is the third year we have used this during the processional and every time I am blown away.  We come to the manager to worship the King of Kings. I stood there, as always, in wonderment (I might have made a good shepherdess) drinking it in.

Reality quickly set in as LLG asked me: “Isn’t the choir supposed to be in the room?” Yes. We were close to the end of the overture. I am still manger gazing, pondering. Oops. Get it moving – those main aisle people. Thanks to Emily Agent who herded up a wandering group who took a wrong turn (I missed that. too, trying to get the rest going again.)

Does make me think, though. What if those shepherds had not paid attention to the angels and not made their march to the manger to see the King? What about the wise men? What about you? What about me? Sometimes the focus probably needs to be other than the immediate next thing on the list. The important thing is not the immediate or expedient – it is the Eternal thing.

Luke 2: 8-18 (NIV) And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child. 

 

The Gospel is requires the manger, the cross, the empty tomb for completion. Each by itself is only a part of the greatest event in history – God coming to earth to save us.

#AreYouChanged #Carols2014

I am. I believe.

Still Choosing Joy!

Cille