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August 12th, 2006
Don't Forget the Music
by Nicholas Iacono
Seaport's
newsletter this week contained a parable from
Max Lucado. If you haven't read it, I've copied it
below, it's really good. However, I got something
different from it. We sometimes get so focused on
the mechanics and details of being a Christian, evangelizing,
and developing others that we sometimes miss the moment.
Example, tomorrow, the neighbors are coming over
for dessert and I was thinking that I as a good Christian
should do something to determine their spiritual standing
and share my faith. I was planning how to work things
into the conversation and what to discuss. Then I
started to worry, what if I turned them off?, and
I realized, I was developing my own agenda for tomorrow!
Why couldn't it just be about them coming over tomorrow?
Why did I feel I had to make sure Christianity came
up? Why was I worried if I'd do it right?
For me, the music in Lucado's parable represents
the moment. Sure you should study dance and know the
techniques and styles, but your movement needs to
be coordinated with the moment. In professional dancing,
mastering the techniques and giving a perfect performance
is key to how you are evaluated. But for most, dancing
is a social activity. Let's take the club scene, most
common place for dance. You and you partner hadn't
practiced a routine prior to coming, and most likely
you aren't even that familiar with your partner. Your
partner doesn't expect you to dance perfectly, or
even know sophisticated moves. Just move with the
beat, keep off of her toes, and dip her once and a
while.
Sharing your faith should be the same way. Don't
worry about perfection, don't step on their toes,
have a few tricks up your sleeve, and most importantly
be in that moment with them.
So tomorrow, when my neighbors come over I won't
have an agenda, I'll just be me and move with the
beat.
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