Ain't we pretty?

This year our choir had the unique opportunity of being a part of Michael W. Smith's Christmas tour. There wasn't a concert in Nashville this year, so Michael agreed to do a charity concert at our church after his tour was completed, with the offering going partly to his Rocketown, and the other part to our partner church in Cape Town, South Africa, Living Hope. Because the tickets were gone to the 7:00 show in a matter of 3 or 4 minutes, we ended up doing two concerts, one at 2 and one at 7:30. This made for a long, but thrilling day.

Not only did we get to sing back-up for Michael W. Smith, but this year he was touring with The Katinas, as usual, and Melinda Doolittle. What amazing talent all of these people have, and they all seem to have hearts of gold. It was such a huge privilege to be a part of this, and just added to the long list of reasons why I love being a part of my church.

Most amazingly, the conductor for this tour was David Hamilton, our own church pianist. David is truly one of the most talented people I have ever had the privilege of knowing, and certainly one of the most humble. We are so blessed to have the opportunity to work with him on a regular basis, when people all over the world pay him the big bucks to do his thing. He orchestrated and arranged the Disney World Halloween parade, just as an example of his demand. And yet he still makes it to church on Sunday morning to play the piano as often as he possibly can. What an example he is of using the talents God gives you to His glory. I've learned so much from him.

And on the note of humility, I was thinking on the way to church Saturday what amazing people our music minister, Dennis, and his assitant Jeremy are. Most choir directors look to the Christmas program as their moment to shine. They are out there dressed to the nines and it is time to show off "their" choir to whoever decides to show up. Dennis and Jeremy have worked unbelievably hard over the past six months getting this thing together. The ticketing process was a nightmare for them. They saw attitudes from people that I'm quite sure they'll never be able to forget.

And yet, on the day of the concert, neither one of them stepped foot on the stage, other than perhaps to adjust some wires or something before anyone was there. They were behind the scenes, working with the tour people, working with disgruntled ticket-nonholders, and thousands of other things. I'm so impressed by this. I've known Dennis' heart for ten years now, and I'm not surprised by it. But just so thankful to be led in the worship ministry by a couple of men who truly get it. It's much easier to lead worship when you have such a great example to follow.

I hope I never get so used to these cool opportunities that I forget how special they are and take them for granted. This is a unique place to live, and I'm so thankful the Lord has us here!