It was my first Christmas living in Ladysmith Village, Virginia. There was a community Christmas caroling event which I will never forget.  Let’s just say it brought tears to my eyes and brought home the meaning of “it’s the thought that counts”.   I know you think I’m going to tell you some sappy, sweet story about a wonderful caroling experience. Nope.

We met at the Clubhouse first for hot cocoa and cookies.  That was ok.  I was there by myself and didn’t know anyone.  Sometimes my all-alone-adventures can be a bit awkward, but  I will say at least the cookies were good.  After we filled our systems with a ton of sugar, we congregated in front of the building.  A young lady, apparently the resident drama star of Caroline High school, gave everyone orders, I mean instructions, of how the adventure would commence. I knew right then and there it would probably be a very good idea to claim an eggnog allergy, but I didn’t listen to my little voice of reason. I stayed with the group for a while longer.  Perhaps curiosity had gotten the best of me.

We headed off down the sidewalk, our fearless leader barking out her song choices.  Let me tell you, I’ve done my share of caroling, but never, I mean never, ever, have I been in a group of 10-15 carolers and been unable to recognize Jingle Bells.

It reminded me of the colorful way the adult choir at church celebrated a member’s birthday when I was a child.  As a special, loving moment for the birthday boy or girl, everyone in the choir sang the birthday song in a different key, or multiple keys at once.  They all thought it was hysterical, but for me, it was just scary.

Anyway, back to my story.  I think I only heard one person in the entire group that evening that could almost carry a tune.  By the way, it was not our drama queen leader, but you probably guessed that.  She could sing alright, but I think her ability was measured in volume, not in pitch.   Guaranteed, not one song ended in the same key in which it started.  Hark, the Herald Angels were absolutely not singing.

My core personality is to be shy by nature, especially if I don’t know anyone. So, for once in my life it panned out for me to fly under the radar. No one spoke to me, so no one knew a thing about me.  No one knew I had been a Praise and Worship Leader for more than half of my life.

I will say, however, I again realized how blessed I have been to be surrounded by such incredible, humble, musicians my entire life. Ephesians 4:2 reminds us to be completely humble and to be gentle and patient, bearing with one another in love. God has given me not only the privilege to serve others with my music, but also the delight and joy I experience as I am constantly in the company of incredibly gifted musicians who love the Lord. I am honored.

Proverbs 11:2 says “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” With that wisdom comes the ability to know when to step up, and in this case when to step back.  I quietly faded into the back row and wished I had brought my earmuffs…just to keep my ears warm, of course.

Wishing you joy and peace,

Lorrie