Pride in performance
May 20th, 2003
Dear Friends
Recently I had the pleasure of listening to a recital that included my daughter. “You must be very proud ? ” asked a music enthusiast. To be honest – I said yes to affirm the listener whilst not being sure how I felt. After days getting the house ready, travel arrangements, printing programs, arranging eats, not to speak of enduring the last minute nerve ridden ‘run throughs’ – I was just glad it was over without mishap.
What would I have said if someone had asked whether I were ashamed of some aspect of my families life? One has to take the good with the bad. A little modesty on the good maybe justifies coyness on the not-so-good. Further, my feelings are not really determined by the success or failure of the last event or the public nature of that event.
How would our heavenly father respond if he were asked whether he were proud of our words, typing skills, telephone manner or financial wizardry. I suspect that even he would look for a diplomatic excuse, because his regard for us is not dependant on the last recital. God is not looking for a performance – he looks for a relationship. A relationship that includes every aspect of our experience.
Ok then – I was proud. But I would have been even she had fluffed the whole thing, because that is what our heavenly father taught me.
May God continue to bless you this coming month, as you continue to share God’s unconditional love throughout our community, and by the way – thanks for your performance, it is appreciated. After all we are only human.
Yours truly,
Victor Pilmoor
Treasurer