Making Sweet Music

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Psalm 95:1

Last Friday night, I had the opportunity to attend a middle school talent show in which two of my piano students performed. While they did an outstanding job, neither of them won. But what I walked away with was worth more than any trophy or medal!

A violinist opened the program with the national anthem and everyone stood. I listened to people sing, (some acapella and some with soundtracks). I watched some dance with incredible skills. I endured an electric guitarist who wrote his own music. I paid attention to the beautiful words of a poem a young girl had written. I struggled through a quartet in which they never found the correct notes.

What was so noteworthy? There were some Christian songs in the mix and during those performances, everyone was quiet. There is still hope! You see, during the rest of the program, the teens talked, laughed and played on cell phones. I was especially impressed with a power point display of pictures of her grandmother that was shown during a song sung asking, “What are you doing in heaven?”

I was also captivated with the confidence that the performers exhibited. After a grueling audition, they had several weeks to get their act together. Most of them did! They walked out to the middle of that stage and did their best. Think back to when you were a teenager and those awkward moments. For these 18 kids to believe in themselves enough to take a spotlight in front of two hundred people (mostly teens) says a lot.

Each of those children have been given some kind of talent. I pray that they will keep going and use what God has given them. So, what is your talent? Are you ready to walk out on life’s stage and perform your best today? Whether it is an encouraging word spoken to a sad face, a solo sung before church, an oil change for a single mom who can’t afford it, or just a hug for someone who needs it, we all have some kind of talent.

What about your talent for talking about Jesus and what He’s done for you? Ready to take center stage?

What Are They Doing in Heaven?

Heavenly Father, thank You for opening my eyes to the talent that is all around me. Thank You for boosting my hope in young people. AMEN.