Preaching About the Choir

At a recent event, I watched as a choir director led his group of university students through an ensemble of beautifully arranged music. His arms waving passionately, nearly leaping at the credcendos and bowing low and the deepest notes, his movements were almost as entertaining as the music. At least– to me. And I mean that in the most respectful way.

It just struck me how his every move elicited such an amazing response from the youths he was leading. And the joy on his face as he led this choir was beautiful to behold. He reminded me of each of you…

Our work as parents reflects that of this choir director. Passionately teaching our children, sometimes cheering, sometimes bowing in prayer…leading with excitement and joyfully celebrating each forward step they take towards adulthood. He led them with his arms raised high, simple hand motions and a joyful smile throughout the entire performance. As his ensemble walked off stage, he turned to us as his audience and simply stated how working with the youth at his university gives him such hope for the future of our nation. He went on to tell the testimony of several of his students and how they had overcome adversity and were seeking to help solve the world’s problems through service to others. His smile and hope was contagious.

When I experience these glimmers of hope and radiating beams of pride in the youth of America, I wish I could just squeeze your hand, lean over and whisper, “I promise. It’s worth it. All the exhaustion and fight and struggle…It’s worth it.”

But since I can’t…my virtual hug will have to do. This week, let’s be like the choir director, and lead our families with joy and expectant hope. Let’s celebrate every small victory over temper tantrums and hard won battles over math homework. Let’s cheer in the stands and on the fields. And let’s raise a symphony of hope who’s beautiful music reaches the very heart of our nation’s challenges.