Sunday, October 4, 2015

Yes, you matter.

I'd like to ask the members of our community symphony how many of them have ever played a perfect concert. I'd bet few to none have. I play with a community orchestra and we're not nearly as good as the Utah Symphony, but we still put on an enjoyable concert. We love to make beautiful music.

If you came to hear one of our concerts, you would most likely be able to pick out a few mistakes. We value all our members. I've been with them for about four years and haven't seen or heard of anyone getting kicked out. Some leave on their own. Some new people join us every year. We're grateful for all their individual contributions. We all have our own talents and gifts, and it makes a beautiful harmony when we play our best. Even when we all try our best, we make mistakes. None of us would dare to purposefully make a bad noise during a concert, so there's no point in getting upset when it happens. We just keep on playing. Sometimes strings or bows break. Other musicians step in where they can, to help.

I'm a cello player. They probably wouldn't miss me much if I didn't show up. They could easily carry on without me. There are several cello players that are better than me. There are several that are not as good as me. We even value the worst cello player because that person is learning and growing in the art. Eventually, with enough practice, our worst cello player will become a good cello player.

As you go to church, imagine you're a member of a community symphony. Every one has their own talents and gifts. Each person's effort contributes to the harmony of the congregation. Even when trying our best, sometimes somebody makes a bad noise. The symphony will go on with or without you, but you'll sound better, and the symphony will sound better with your unique gifts as you practice with us.