Sacrifice. Sometimes the things in life require it.
When I was a freshman in college, a friend of mine (Chris) helped me to discover that I actually had a pretty decent singing voice. I eventually came to believe that myself as I allowed my skills to be honed under the direction of a series of brilliant conductors who taught was well as they led. I never would have guessed then the doors that would open up to me. Besides having fun and making new friends along the way, it brought me other opportunities such as international travel, marriage, and - most important - a relationship with Jesus Christ.
My singing brought me to Central United Methodist Church in 1992. With the exception of one year at Trinity United Methodist Church I sung there for over 21 years. Intertwined with that I also sang with our church praise band, in the ASU Choral Union, and was a charter member of the Phoenix Symphony Chorus where I sang for three or four years. At one time I figured I'd keep singing in the choir as long as there was breath in my lungs.
Then came my calling into the ministry. I ignored it at first. Then I could no longer ignore it. I knew it would take me away from the choir someday. I kind of dreaded that. I prayed on it a lot. Could I make the sacrifice?
As it became more clear to me that pursuit of my ministry efforts was not going to happen within the confines of United Methodist polity, I began to despair somewhat. But things became more obvious to me as I was being beckoned elsewhere.
I went to visit Pure Heart Christian Fellowship a few times during the summer of 2012; I found the worship and message quite refreshing. I was away from there for over a year when I was beckoned back. And then I learned that they have a chaplain program - and even held a chaplain school on their campus to prepare them. I had found my "Macedonia" (Acts 16:10) And I came to sense that the place I had been could no longer contain my spiritual needs.
I have now joined the Pure Heart family and in seven days I begin my chaplain training course. The time conflicts with choir rehearsal at Central, and so the time has come to move on. Christmas Eve services were my last performance at Central. I will fondly remember my many years in the choir and I am told that I will be missed. But I knew this day would come, and those who know me well enough know - as I certainly do - that this is where I now belong.
This is my sacrifice...and I'm okay with it. Excited and joyful, even.
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