I can carry a tune but I cannot read music. So what am I doing in the St. David's Community Choir practicing Vivaldi's Gloria for a Dec. 20 concert date? Let me explain.
First and foremost, I am not alone. In order to carry the appropriate tune, I need to be carried by the basses, by the leadership of our director Sandra Dawn Nash, and by our accompanist, Angela Larsen.
I say, surround myself with musically gifted people, with a bass singing directly in my ear, and I have a chance to contribute to something beautiful and share it with our community. That is the thing I love about choir: we are in this thing together.
It is a corporate expression of beauty. And my part is to work hard in preparation, and then blend with the voices around me. Gloria, in excelsis Deo! This sounds a lot like the church! I heard a definition of glory that has resonated with me. God's glory is manifest where human need meets God's love. And there is a weight to that glory, such a weight that it cannot be borne by an individual, it must be borne by the community.
Whether reaching out to meet the aching need in the Philippines, or visiting a lonely family member or neighbour, God's glory is manifest. If you don't know all of the notes of faith, but have a willing heart to draw near to God and "sing your part," join a local faith community.
There will be someone there to offer direction, accompaniment, and to draw near and sing in your ear.
