Two of my favorite singers were getting together to share a special holiday with a limited number of guests. Anticipating an experience, I organized four tickets early.
Things often work out differently than one hopes and expects. Work schedules change. Traffic and logistics on the day conspire together to prevent the anticipated from coming together. Even the elements required to accommodate the group as well as the band are prone to failures and the touch of gremlins. On this occasion, with the awareness of many, things came together as planned, just.
The setting was fantastic. The music fit with the reason and and filled everyone with hope and nostalgia. I found myself remember the past with a sense of thanksgiving and longing, thinking of the present with a sense of hope, and looking towards the future with hope. I laughed as people created space for a few to dance. It was as if we were all participants in the music as the writers intended the music to be experienced. Rolling along with others, I caught myself humming and singing along where and when I knew the lyrics! It felt like I was in the middle of a near perfect example of what music should be.
My natural tendencies of organizing any and everything started to kick it. How could this end without a sense of loss and disappointment? Was there a natural flow to the music that would bring us to a place of celebration and finality? How was it going to unfold?
The hint was found in how the waiters, band, and two lead singers made room so more could dance. The largest group in the small space soon found themselves invited into a song that never seemed to end. The lively pace set early in the evening stepped up a not. It was as if she was inviting everyone in; “Shout your praises to God, everybody! Let loose and sing! Strike up the band!” (Psalm 98.4) Everyone sang, almost as if their lives depended on it. It was amazing! I am still smiling.
