Lessons Learned from Marching Band

Nah, I never played in band. I couldn't walk and chew gum, much less play an instrument and walk in a specific formation. To be fair, I couldn't even play an instrument - except the piano, which is a bear to strap on and carry around a football field.

But last week, when I went for my walk/run, I discovered a marching band practicing on the athletic fields. It's not uncommon to find band camps there in the summer. And sometimes...bless their hearts...I think some of them can't walk and chew gum either. Some years I've heard the same...measure...of...music...for...a...solid...hour. Like I said. Bless their hearts.

This year's band was fantastic. I mean fantastic. They had mad skills, and while I wasn't sure whether or not to be saddened that their tunes disrupted my planned prayer time, I was highly impressed by what I heard.

As I walked right by them, I heard their director speaking about something he'd heard that apparently didn't sound right. (Sounded good to me!) I could tell by the reaction of the band members, they were on my side. But the director was just sure something was off.

Then I heard these words, right before he lifted his arms and they went on with the show: Play better.

I giggled inside because I was blown away by their talent, and yet their orders were to play better.

And while my planned prayer time did not happen, God used that moment to whisper this to me. That's what I'm trying to tell you. Play better. You may think you're sailing along pretty fantastically right now...and everyone around you may think the same thing, but you can play better. You can.

I'm not saying I'm doing everything wrong right now. Not at all. But when I'm in a good season of life (like I am right now) I am tempted to coast a bit. Savor it. And while there's nothing wrong with enjoying a blessing, a blessing is no license to stop playing better. I can try harder. I can.

Maybe the prayer time wasn't a bust after all.