Escanaba City Band

Most of our family gathered together at this Band Shell to hear the Escanaba City Band play patriotic music.  The band looked so nice in their red and blue uniforms.  The numerous american flags only added to the festivity as we honored our flag.  The band had a great sound and there were lots of various instruments making up this band.  

But our eyes were only on one clarinet player, our grandaughter, Kaili. 

No offense to all the other members, for indeed I am sure they are fine people and great musicians......but our family came to hear Kaili play.

Our eyes were fixed on watching her whether she was playing or not playing, whether she was sitting or standing. Our attention was on one beautiful, newly graduated, young lady playing her clarinet.  I am very sure, she was aware of our presence in the audience, yet her attention was on the Director and on the notes in front of her.  Her eyes and attention were properly focused , as expected of each member of the band.   THAT produces the sound the audience applauds for.

I am sure there are lots of lessons we can glean from this - but right now I am thinking about the Church.  We are a team, although we play various instruments, or have various roles and talents.  Sometimes one section is featured, and another section is silent.  Sometimes we all play together where one instrument does not dominate over another. Sometimes a player or two will be featured for a short time.   But at the end of the concert, it was all about the Band as a whole. 

The Band as a whole, reading notes on a page and following the direction of a Conductor.  Oh it is so similar to a healthy Church, where the people have various roles, and yet work together as a team.....using the Bible as a guidebook, and following the Conductor of our lives:  The Lord Jesus.

Some people go to Church to see a particular player (maybe the Pastor), or to hear a particular instrument (like worship music)....but God wants us to go to Church to hear the beauty of the Body of Christ....in sweet unity....loving each other.

Let's go to Church, pick up your 'instrument', read the manual and follow the Conductor.....and show the world how beautiful it truly is, to be a Christian!