Sounds like the end of a PBS program doesn't it? Sure it's somewhat of a cliché'd sentiment, but oh so true. I mentioned on Twitter a few weeks back, I've reflected on it while on a short reprive from travels this summer. At face value the social media posts I have look pretty incredible from travel to fun & relaxation to playing some pretty cool events. All true. When it comes to full time music ministry however, there's always a lot more than meets the eye.
Like this guy: Taffy. Talk about true hands & feet ministry. Opened his home to our family where we stayed off and on for nearly three weeks while traveling all over southern California this summer. Hotel living is not only impractical when on the road with your family for over a month, but also SO not economical. This guy oozes hospitality and knows what it means for the family of faith to look after one another. Without this piece of the equation much of the ministry accomplished this summer doesn't happen.
Or my buddy Randy. Came through with free tickets to a Dodgers game (we're big fans) for our family. A night of fun and time together to refuel from months of travel, pouring out and time apart. A memory and blessing not soon forgotten.
Seriously I could go on... Another family opening their home to me for a Shabbat Dinner which served as both nourishment and cultural education. The students that drove to the other side of the city to be a part of a worship service. Doing ministry alongside partner churches like The Crossing in Vegas. The couple that went out of their way while on the opposite side of the country to be a part of a worship experience I lead. Super talented individuals that capture photo and video and design to help tell the story of the ministry that is happening and will happen. Those that donate funds big and small. Airport runs, meals, transportation, lodging, equipment, logistical help... You get the picture. This is what I see. This is what I think of in that moment of God moving and working powerfully in a room full of people worshiping together. Where God is glorified, not just in that moment but in the many countless moments that lead to that one and the ones that will follow.
I wasn't intending for this to read like the 'Thank You's' in liner notes. It is, however, a bit like my friend Ben Arment talks about: demystifying the process. Lights, big venues and large crowds can overshadow quite literally the foundation of people, relationships, generosity and, most of all, the hard work of bringing all that together.
In my story, this summer is an example of one part of one chapter. A chapter that doesn't as much read 'Ben' as much as it does: 'This is what God did, and this is who He used.' Woven together where people step up with what they have, needs are met, missions and callings are fulfilled. Pretty amazing what God can do, made possible by people like you.
Have you experienced anything like this? What other questions do you have about 'behind the scenes'?