Sickly haircut

It can happen in the humdrum part of life.  Even when you’re sick.  Somehow when we’re least expecting it, God shows us new purpose.  Case in point, I recently walked into Supercuts.  Having been stuck at home for 4 days with allergy problems, I finally ventured out.  Just happy to see the outside world, I sought simply a haircut.  But then the stylist asks the question, “So how did you get into theatre?”  And right there I paused, realizing I needed to drum up energy in order to answer.  While she’d first asked only what my job was, now I needed to explain.  Actually more than just needing to do this, I honestly wanted to retell the story.  And as adrenaline started to move, I knew the Lord supplied it.  The heaviness of my eyes lifted.  My posture straightened.  I sensed Him rejuvenating me in order to fulfill this call.  I began to recount the story about the summer the Lord kept speaking to me about theatre, and in the mirror I could see the stylist smiling.  It truly was a grand occasion of the Lord bringing to pass what I didn’t know was possible.  And on top of the allergies and the fatigue, I’d been frustrated with a new diet my doctor had given, yet none of that was hindering this moment for the sake of the stylist.  First Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”  So when we're depleted, we look to the Lord to supply.  He is our preparation, giving meaning to every new moment.  For you and me both, a visit anywhere can be much more than what we think.  A trip to the doctor’s office can be more than medical.  A trip to the school or the bank or the dentist can be occasion for the Lord to open a door for us to share the name of Christ there.  So may He keep us aware.  May He give us joy in seeing and hearing and sensing the circumstances He orchestrates. We all need His inspiration.

Playing the Palace

How does a small town host blessings so bountiful?  We arrived on a Monday and found the Palace staff so welcoming and kind.  Situating sound equipment and unloading props and costumes was much less a burden because of how friendly and helpful they were.  Playing piano would be a new role for me on this trip, and in asking the Lord to lead me through, I soon saw Him using this sweet setting to help ease my nerves.  With the piano staying at the edge of the stage, I loved seeing up-close how intently children interacted with the whole performance, answering the story characters and pursuing the chase.  I heard their depth of laughter as if sitting in the seat next to them.  And I love to remember this little boy who threw his jacket over this face when he laughed so hard!  Even when children exited toward their buses, new amazement came for how they recited our songs with hand motions and all.  What a blessed 6 performances.  Simply my heart runneth over.  But how does this blessing in smallness happen when most of our world looks more toward the big lights and the big stage?  It’s the presence of the Lord showing up as He sees fit.  Maybe I've never heard anyone speak of Corsicana, Texas, as a hotly sought vacation spot.  Yet the Lord decided to bless us here, and we loved it.  What a pleasure to ask my fellow performers to join me in thanking Him.  Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  Such utter contentment we find nowhere else.  May He satisfy your heart today.