The Choir and the Conductor

       Our elementary, middle school, and high school students completed their choir performances. They were fantastic! It was wonderful to listen to them sing with passion and beauty. One element of the concert was new to me. Between the group performances, select students performed solos. It was great to see their talents highlighted and enjoy such a variety of music.
       As I watched the concerts, I was struck by a simple occurrence. Like all good musicians, most of the students carefully watched the conductor's hands. As Mr. Thomas, the choir director, kept rhythm, cued parts, and led the selections, the performers eyes were glued to his hands. His hands told the students what, when, and how they were to sing. If the students had decided to perform based on their own expectations of what should happen, their own interpretation of the best speed, blending, and timing, the performance would not have been beautiful and successful.
      Our lives are the same way. We are supposed to be carefully watching our Maker's hands. When He beckons, we should promptly respond. A world is watching our actions, but our focus must be on our God, the Conductor of our lives. He knows all the important details and He wants us to be successful in sharing His beautiful message of love and hope. If we take our eyes off His lead, we will not be able successfully produce His selection. However, if we carefully, attentively, eagerly, and joyfully watch and respond to His leading, He will work in ways beyond our greatest dreams. Just like the choirs, we must trust and diligently follow the lead of our Great Conductor.