Lessons Learned in the Band

Daily Gratitude Year 7-Day 295: Today, I am grateful for lessons learned in the band. 

Back in the day, we thought we were pretty cool when we made a Superman shield in marching band as we played the movie theme. Wow. The bar keeps getting raised higher and higher. 

Is it too much?
Can it even be done?
Will the judges hate it?
Can we get the pieces to all fit together?
Can every student rise to meet the challenge... because every member counts?
No one sits on the bench in band. 

Take a peek at our MHS band program in this video. Music is a theme this week. It speaks to the soul when words fail, and it can lift a student up and beyond their self determined limitations. When you join the band... you have to be "all in". It is exhausting for students and parents. 

Students learn to balance intense practices with the demands of high school academics. It isn't easy, but for those who return every season, it is worth it.  This year's show was "Candy Land". You get a glimpse of it here. 

https://vimeo.com/368161673?fbclid=IwAR3VhT-HmHEh8Gk7b27v080c9RNSA4LoVRJAuHq_oXKMRQfkYxkl7me4uMM

One of the things they take away is that there is value in being a small part of something bigger than yourself. Each one has to move, march and play their instrument... giving their peak performance... at each event or competition. But they are all a part of a body with a common goal. 

It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.

"The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. "1 Corinthians 12:11-13

Like the band, we each have strengths, gifts, talents and weaknesses. Alone, we are limited, but together, we can be shine the light of Christ that impacts lives far and wide. We can lift each other up, encourage... and even carry when one finds the load too heavy. We can teach and learn in a community. It is good. 

Today, I am grateful for lessons learned in the band.