Every December I have bulldog determination to do one thing: attend a Christmas concert with a big choir and a full orchestra. Thankfully opportunities abound, and last weekend I was privileged to be at Moody Church to hear an extravaganza of glorious music, everything from “Let it snow!” to the “Hallelujah Chorus.”
We found seats in the balcony, front row, looking straight down on the violin section of the orchestra. Watching those musicians play with vigor made me wish I hadn’t given up violin lessons when I was 13.
What joy it would have been to play in such a group, but my orchestra experience will always be limited to the one I had in junior high school. Though I never made it to the first violin section, playing in that assortment of “newbies” was still a special pleasure.
Sadly, I stuck with violin lessons for only 2 years and didn’t even learn how to wiggle my fingers into a vibrato. My teacher was as irritated with me as I was with him, probably because every week I pestered him to let me do the wiggling thing. “You’ve got to get better at the basics first!” he’d say, completely exasperated with me.
When it was time to begin my 3rd year of lessons, I told Mom I didn’t want to continue. After too many arguments over skimpy practice time, she was happy to comply, and she sold my violin within a week, a sure sign she’d been as frustrated as I had.
Most adults have a music-regret to match mine. After we begged our parents for weeks, they finally gave in and generously provided funds, transportation, time, and an instrument. We began with gusto, but not long into the commitment, enthusiasm was replaced with practice battles. Eventually the option to quit became everybody’s first choice, though parents didn’t let us give up without a lecture and one last jab: “You’ll be sorry!”
Listening to those violinists at Moody Church, I knew they’d been right.
But middle school kids are still learning accountability for their actions and make lots of mistakes. We older folk know by harsh experience that quitting when commitments get tough becomes an unattractive character trait we’d rather not have. No one wants to be known as a quitter. It’s better to be someone who does what she says she’s going to do.
God is the ultimate pro at this, doing everything he says he will, and since he’s God, that covers millions of pronouncements, promises, and predictions. If we want to be more like him, we need to practice keeping our commitments. When we feel like quitting, we should ask him for fresh perseverance, because he’s promised to help us cope.
And he keeps all of his promises.
“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
Oh, Marnie, my daughter and I were there and we did not see you! Wasn’t it glorious? We had seats reserved by the senior pastor – I consider privileges like these something we earned by our fishbowl existence as pastor’s kids 🙂
Anyway, so glad you were there! Merry Christmas!
Margaret Were you at Candlelight Carols because Wally & I were there on Saturday Night. But from the pictures you posted you were there last weekend when we had our concert at our church Medinah Baptist. Oh it was outstanding. But have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from us to you. God Bless. Wally & Barb Fuja
I was just saying to Bruce that I missed those concerts and singing in the choir. It is a wonderful, fun and blessed opportunity. So glad you were able to be there!
Brings back memories of when we were at Moody Church and in the choir. Busy, fun times – of course, we were younger then, too, and somehow were able to work an 8-hour day and then attend numerous rehearsals all in preparation for the big day. Glad you could take it all in.
Sounds like a wonderful experience, Margaret. I’m sure it was!
You know, one really good thing about adulthood, singleness and realizations of past desires to do something we had opportunity to do and did not realize what we had at the time, if you truly desire to pick it up again, you now have the option to do so. You are NEVER TOO OLD! If playing the violin is still a desire to do….do it. Even if you never play in an orchestra, so what? Play, as unto the Lord….He will decide how good you become! I will satisfy your soul, spirit and who knows what else! Go for it, girl!
God bless, and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
When I saw these beautiful photos, I started to tear up. I do miss my childhood and young adult days, at Moody Church. As a kid, I paid more attention to the beautiful bricks, windows, and tiffany chandeliers. I would also count how many people were in the choir, of which I later participated. I’m reminded of my Baptism, Wedding, and 4 Baby Dedications, and I think that is why I am always awe struck when I see the front of the Sanctuary. I miss Candlelight Carol !!!