Thursday, September 6, 2007

Dear God,

I was very sad to learn the news of Luciano Pavarotti's death. Not because I adored opera, but because of the way in which he reached the height of his God-given talents and shared it with the world. I think he had extraordinary gifts that he stumbled upon in his 20's. As a teacher he loved music and it captured him while attending a concert. He set his sights on developing his voice and singing. He believed that music was the beauty in life and he sang his way through life. He helped foster the love of music in others and his achievements are monumental.

I reflected upon his life yesterday. One man. One gift. One great contribution. He fulfilled his destiny and his destiny touched the lives of so many. Just as you planned it. Only a few times did I see him on TV bursting out in song. But each time I was mesmerized by the tones he produced and the ways in which he vocalized them. I have just one of his CD's and I love it. Panis Angelicus could never be sung by anyone better.

I am reminded that we each have a destiny, a great contribution to the world. We either develop our gifts and live out our destiny or we piddle our way through life. You know how many times I have piddled, dabbled with this and that. And some days especially my earlier years I felt a failure as if I had absolutely nothing to offer you and others.

Years, seven to be exact, I thought about my own call to ministry. All the reasons I could not pick up the mantle. Finally, you wore me down (to the soul, of course) and I said yes. Some days I take to my bed at day's end and feel my life has counted for something. Other days I wonder what my contribution amounted to during the day.

What I know is this: my gift is creating settings for the possibility of the spirit's movement in the lives of others. Making people aware it is possible. Helping them discover you and your spirit within them. Offering an anticipation of future events with you. Taking people's hand and leading them to hope, faith, transformation, courage, trust. I have a John the Baptist job. I just prepare, nothing more. And I too am not worthy to brush away the dust from the Savior's sandals. But the fact that I am trusted to stoop down to do so on occasion is a gift of great proportion for me.

I realize more and more how important it is to live out your will for our lives. Your plan will balance the world, restore us, renew us, move us to greater heights of achievement bettering the world, bringing peace and joy through our various purposes. The fact that our world is broken and shattered in so many pieces, in so many lands is a testimony to the fact that we have failed to live the life of faith contributing, contributing, contributing to others. Things will grow worse as we selfishly care only for ourselves. While I understand the import of caring for the vessel you have made for each one of us as our gift to you, we also have a responsibility to our neighbor.

Pavarotti sang for his neighbor who was titillated for a moment with a developing beauty. Wow, what an amazing gift, frankly one that will keep on giving, especially through those he helped to achieve their own destinies. The mere thought of music creating more beauty in the world is a great delight to me as I think about it.

Such persons give me cause to pause and reflect upon your dreams and destiny for me. Pray for me, Lord, that I too will rise up to greater heights with my own gifts used for your service.

Will he sing
in heaven,
Lord?
Will he take
his songs
and join
the saints
in singing?
Will heaven's voice
reach earth?
Thank you
for rich gifts
that have
an eternal sound.
I am grateful
for the many
whose lives
sing the song
of joy.

Love, Andrea