Last night at rehearsal, I spied two special needs people in the audience. Both were waving their hands in air as if they, themselves were directing the Choir and Orchestra. One of them even had his own baton. :) I've seen at least one of them before, but for some reason my mind and attention was on them. The smiles on their faces as every chord, every downbeat were given permeated from them. Their smiles and look of glee were infectious.

And there were others  in the audience that shared the same smile. There were other couples that seemed to snuggle closer to each other as strains of, "The Sound of Music" filled the Tabernacle. There were missionaries coming and going as we sang, "They the Buildrs of the Nation". And there were those that sat alone listening as we sang, "You'll Never Walk Alone". My hope is that everyone was lifted a bit higher in spirits as they quietly left. Perhaps they needed to hear that music. Perhaps the words will give them needed strength and hope to carry on.

Every one of these people came in to see and listen - for what reasons  I may never know. Perhaps they are visitors and never have seen the Mormon Tabernacle Choir before, or maybe it's just to take a load (physical or spiritual) off them. No, I don't know, and that's not what is really important to me. My goal as a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and as a set apart musical missionary is to share the gospel through music to others. To uplift them. 

One of the things many may not realize is the relationships in the choir and orchestra. There is one sister in the orchestra who always, without fail blows a kiss to her husband who is in the choir. And there is a member of the orchestra who is wheelchair bound. The love given to her by not only her husband but others in the staff as they assist getting her up and down the stage each Sunday is touching. And the tender little kiss before he leaves the stage and lets her perform on the stage. And then there is the family in the staff who all have very busy jobs to do; the husband is is stage manager, and the wife is a makeup artist. Seeing them walk up the tunnel every Sunday hand in hand makes me feel and know that this organization is a big family. 

Almost every Sunday, at the Music and the Spoken Word broadcast, there is one young man (I believe he is a missionary) who is the first every time to stand and clap wildly in appreciation for the broadcast. As members of the choir remark among themselves, "there he is", as it's almost expected that he will do so, I am left to thank my Father in Heaven for the wonderful opportunity given to me.

The choir president has remarked to us how excited the people of Richfield are for us to come and share in their celebration. I look forward to this and, once again to look out at the audience and see the looks of joy and jubilation in their faces. My hope is, once again that at least one person will be uplifted and find answers to what they are truly seeking. 

The Lord is in control. He placed us in these circumstances and areas not just bu happenstance. It is part of His plan for each of us. To allow us to be happy. I am so grateful for not only my membership in the Church of a Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, not just for my callings which I have had and which I presently hold, but am grateful for a good wife to share these experiences and blessings with. If we allow The Lord to mold us, He will give us so many opportunities for blessings not only for ourselves but in the lives of others we come in contact with. Just as the choir, I know not of people's struggles and trials, I do know that if I allow my positivity to shine forth, it can become infectious and give someone else hope and joy. And that is what is the most important part of life.