"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.'" ~ Erma BombeckLast fall, I was in the musical, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, and I played the role of Snoopy. I distinctly remember the last performance we had. All those participating in this show were tired and burnt out by the time Sunday came around. Our voices were getting shot and the energy and emotions were all over the place. It was exciting because it was the last performance, but also sad in a way too. Snoopy's big musical number comes at the end of the show when he (or in my case, she) sings about Suppertime. I recall the moments leading up to this song. I had decided to give it my all. This was the last show, the last time to perform a song I had grown to love, the last time to be Snoopy. I was going to go for it and leave it all on the stage. Looking back, I can see that I did just that. I believe it was the best performance I had ever given and I felt proud of myself. Sure, my throat was a little sore after that, but it didn't matter because I gave it my best and didn't hold back.
A week ago, I attended the Suzuki Association of Minnesota Graduation in the Twin Cities. This graduation is held every year to commend violin students for their achievements during the previous year. As this was my last year a part of this association and I had reached the required levels, I was honored by being chosen to play a solo along with five others. I was very excited and also nervous. The past weeks have been filled with tedious practice, going over difficult passages time and time again. But when it came time to perform my solo, there was no holding back. To me, this wasn't simply an honor. It was a reflection of twelve years playing my favorite instrument; twelve years with a violin teacher who has supported me, challenged me, and taught me; times of struggle and even physical pain, but, by God's grace, persevering onward. All of these things I thought about as I walked on the stage that day. And I gave it all! At my following lesson, my teacher told me that it was the best I had even played the piece.
This quote by Erma Bombeck really spoke to me. If I was so intent on giving my all for these performances, why am I not even considering the energy I give out to others in the name of Jesus Christ? God is constantly giving us gifts that we can use to bless and encourage others. Are we conserving them for ourselves? Are we holding back and letting pride get in the way of using them? Or perhaps we are simply not listening to how God wants us to use them. Whatever the reason might be, God gives us these things for a purpose. I only had one last musical performance and one chance to play that violin solo. Similarly, we only have one life to live - make the most of it! We need to take advantage of the time we have and the gifts we are given so that when we see God face to face, we can be confident in the knowledge that we didn't hold back. We left it all on the stage called life! That's what we are challenged to do, as Christians. Let's accept that challenge and use everything we have and give God all the glory!
