Lent Devotion 17

As I mentioned in the last reflection, we attended a stunning Florida Orchestra concert last night. Since we go to the orchestra on a regular basis, we recognize many of the musicians. We saw a new trumpet player last night. During the Symphonie Fantastique, Opus 14a by Hector Berlioz, I noticed her. She was sitting with her horn on her lap, as were the other trumpeters. I kept glancing at her to see when she would play. Finally, the trumpeters were raising their horns. Oh good. The moment I had been waiting for. My spouse, Jeff, nudged me to look at the trumpets. Horns at the lips, they were ready. So was I. Then they played. One note. And put their horns back down on their laps. That was it. One note. For a while anyway. Then it was one note again. Later in the symphony, they had more to play.

One note. Important enough for the composer to include. One note. Requiring the musicians to count and make sure that it is played at the right spot, with the right amount of volume, and for the right duration. Very important that one note. It would have sounded very bad if the trumpets had not all played their one note together or if there was any kind of confusion or mistake in the playing of the one note. It would have been quite conspicuous actually. So, the one note was important and needed to be played properly.

As we think about living our lives in a way that is pleasing to God, we think about what we are called to do and how we are called to serve. Maybe we have big responsibilities. We also heard a concerto last night, that the pianist had to play a vast number of notes. Or maybe we have a small part. One note. Or maybe we are called to something in between. Maybe it depends on the circumstances. Our calling may change during the course of life’s journey. But everything that we contribute is needed and valued. Our service whatever it may be is important to the purposes of God. We are called to do what we can do, and to leave the result to God. We should not ignore our calling, even if it is just a bit part – the one note – because in God’s schemes everyone is important. We are all needed. So, may we each play our part, however large or small that may be with dedication and precision. And together, may our service be pleasing to God.

Prayer: May we always be ready to play our part in God’s hopes and dreams for the world. No one is unimportant to God. May we respect and value the contribution we and others can make, whatever that may be. And may be offer our best to God’s service. Even if that means playing just one note. May it be played well. Amen.