As I drove my daughter home from ballet rehearsal, I shared a story with her from my junior year of high school. We had an extracurricular choir at our school, called Chorale, made up of the cream-of-the-crop singers. Of all the students auditioning to get into this choir, I was the only one who was consistently performing. In fact, I was the only one who planned to be a music major in college. However, I did not make the cut. I was shocked and dismayed. The choir director was even my personal voice teacher!
She explained to me that there were some vocal skills she wanted me to refine. I was to “work while I wait.” As you can imagine, I was devastated. This cut made me question everything about myself as a singer. Should I still even pursue music?
A year of hard work passed, and it was time for Chorale auditions once again. This time, not only was I accepted as a vocalist, but my teacher also asked my opinion concerning who else she should include in the group! My junior-year trial had inspired hard work and determination resulting in my senior-year triumph. My director’s trust in me was evidence of my personal growth.
As I shared this narrative with my daughter, I recognized the additional fruit stemming from that painful event in my life. Now, I could use this story to inspire Sabrina in her own area of “working and waiting.” And perhaps she will one day do the same for her daughter.
We have no idea what the Lord is choosing for our lives nor why He is choosing it. What we do know is that He is working in us and through us for the sake of His good name and for the growth of His kingdom.
May our failures or losses never defeat us. Instead, may we surrender them into His hands, believing He sees the big picture, knows best, and is sovereign on His throne. May we resolve to trust Him and to rest in Him while we work and wait.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:14)
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