S5. That's what the ticket said. Finding our seats in the middle of the first floor of the bright auditorium, we sit down. Music, if you could call it that, flitters through the air as one by one people dressed completely in black take their places on the stage and begin to tune, then they remember something and go back behind the curtain. This dance continues for several minutes. Musicians going back and forth, spectators finding their seats, aids handing out programs. Once everyone is more or less settled the lights go dark, a violinist in a tux comes onto the stage, everyone tunes to his string, and then the conductor arrives. The applause are silenced as he raises his baton and Brahm's Third Symphony begins. Fast, slow, happy, sad, playful, depressed, and sometimes silent, the music fills the room.
There are many different instruments. Not everyone plays violin or drums or trumpet. Not everyone plays the same notes, timing, or in the same key depending on the instrument. Yet there is music. Sometimes the music is mournful, sometimes joyous, sometimes it sounds like bickering. Yet there is music. Sometimes there is silence, yet that too is part of the music and it is impossible to ignore.
The spectators are also a mixed bag. Jeans, dresses, suits, hoodies--all are watching, listening, waiting. Some want to be there, others are sleeping. Some are thinking about what they must go home to and other are lost in the story the music is making. But many are wishing they too were part of the orchestra or singing in the choir to add to the beauty before them.
This reminds me of the church. The orchestra is the church; each member has a different gift that is used at different times depending on the need. And yet all the gifts are needed to make the music. One violin would not have the same majesty if it were not accompanied by the other instruments. The conductor represents the office bearers; directing the members of the church to use their gifts when it benefits the whole, making the music beautiful. The audience are those watching the church even though they aren't members of it. They wait and listen with expectation and a hint of longing.
What kind of music is your church making? Are you all wearing the right costume but not making any noise? Or does it sound like the notes before the symphony begins? Each playing his own notes, making a sound that the audience only listens to because they know something better is coming? Or are you playing together, watching your conductor and your music, making sure they both agree and knowing both well? Does the audience love to listen to you and watch you, wishing they could join you in your song? And are you playing the notes on your music even when they are boring or seem to go unnoticed?
If you have never been to see a symphony I encourage you to do so. Its a fantastic experience. And when you go, think about your own church. What kind of song are you playing? And do people love to listen?
There are many different instruments. Not everyone plays violin or drums or trumpet. Not everyone plays the same notes, timing, or in the same key depending on the instrument. Yet there is music. Sometimes the music is mournful, sometimes joyous, sometimes it sounds like bickering. Yet there is music. Sometimes there is silence, yet that too is part of the music and it is impossible to ignore.
The spectators are also a mixed bag. Jeans, dresses, suits, hoodies--all are watching, listening, waiting. Some want to be there, others are sleeping. Some are thinking about what they must go home to and other are lost in the story the music is making. But many are wishing they too were part of the orchestra or singing in the choir to add to the beauty before them.
This reminds me of the church. The orchestra is the church; each member has a different gift that is used at different times depending on the need. And yet all the gifts are needed to make the music. One violin would not have the same majesty if it were not accompanied by the other instruments. The conductor represents the office bearers; directing the members of the church to use their gifts when it benefits the whole, making the music beautiful. The audience are those watching the church even though they aren't members of it. They wait and listen with expectation and a hint of longing.
What kind of music is your church making? Are you all wearing the right costume but not making any noise? Or does it sound like the notes before the symphony begins? Each playing his own notes, making a sound that the audience only listens to because they know something better is coming? Or are you playing together, watching your conductor and your music, making sure they both agree and knowing both well? Does the audience love to listen to you and watch you, wishing they could join you in your song? And are you playing the notes on your music even when they are boring or seem to go unnoticed?
If you have never been to see a symphony I encourage you to do so. Its a fantastic experience. And when you go, think about your own church. What kind of song are you playing? And do people love to listen?
I love the way you put words together.
ReplyDeleteAnd they always make me think. That is the best part. :)