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| Photos by Mr. Lundsten |
Choir rehearsal this past Tuesday was unique for a number of reasons. Mr. Lundsten and Miss Johnson volunteered to live stream our rehearsal (which has never happened before) over multiple social media platforms. We spent a very good portion of the rehearsal in the weight room (not a regular occurrence) so that we could take advantage of the surprisingly great acoustics. It was also our last rehearsal together (on a Tuesday in mid-March) for the foreseeable future.
I wondered how in the world I would run a "productive" choir rehearsal. Emotions were all over the place for me and for the students. We suddenly weren't preparing for anything in particular. The prospects of performing again as a group seemed to be vanishing. We didn't know for sure, and we certainly hoped it wasn't the case, but this might have been our last time singing together as a group.
Besides that, everything that these students had to look forward to was being taken away. No more spring sports. No more music. No more musical. No more time with friends. No prom. No graduation. . . could this really all be happening?
Amidst all of this turmoil and uncertainty, we were given a unique opportunity. For one hour of our day, we were allowed the chance to join together in making music. That in and of itself is a blessing. Music has the power to calm and lift the spirit as well as almost anything in our world. But even more powerful, more wonderful than the gift of music, we had the opportunity to sing praises to God. We prayed together through song. We took comfort in the words of each tune, knowing that no matter what it was that we'd face in the coming days, weeks, or months, we'd be facing it with God. We'd have his strength to carry us through.
I was blessed in those moments. I was blessed every time I got to work with the choir. The Lord worked through them every day to strengthen me and build me up in my faith. Even though we may not perform publicly again this year, I'll frequently go back to the recorded rehearsal and be lifted up. As of this writing, the video on Facebook has been viewed 5,563 times by people all over the world who are experiencing the same kind of uncertainty and hurt. As much as we needed God's word in song that day, so many others need to hear it and be strengthened in Jesus. I pray that this continues to reach many, especially those in our MVL family.
Thank you to Mr. Lundsten for the live streaming idea. Thank you to both Mr. Lundsten and Miss Johnson for giving up your time to share those moments with a wide audience. Thank you to the choir members for your passion for music-making and your visible love for your Savior! Thank you to all who have shared the video. God bless you all!
Till we meet again,
Mr. Hermanson
Psalm 5:11
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
If you would like to see all the photos from the choir performance visit: https://mvlcharger.smugmug.com
