Fiddler on the roof

Sounds crazy no?
But we all are fiddlers on the roof at some point in our lives.
We eke out an existence trying to achieve something big, but not falling off and breaking our necks.
Anyways, while we are talking about fiddling
I was called for accompanying the church worship team for the offering song with my violin, Madia.
Now, I've brought Madia to church every week, but I've never taken her out and played her in front of the congregation before.
And now, with only 4 days worth of practice, I'm standing up there with the top guns...playing with them?

The song chosen was a beloved hymn- All Creatures of our God and King
I love hymns, I grew up with them, and when I listened to and sung them in times of distress,
I was calm, consoled, and I felt safe.
Those words were unto me a power in their own.
The haunting melodies, like a vine, grows on me.
I knew the song by heart, but will my Madia sing?

I found out today. And sang she did! She didn't let me down.
And after that, I was given the music sheet for the doxology- As We Go.
It wasn't a hymn, but my choir sang it once, so I know it by heart.
As it was in F major, it was no biggie, it had only a single flat.
Madia, you darling, you sang that beautifully too!
And at that, my brief time upon the stage drew to a close.

That was exciting. I remember my fingers trembling, my palms sweaty.
Stage fright? After all these years? Ah, the secret is this:
No one ever gets rid of the butterflies in the tummy.
One just learns to deal with it. Embrace the fact you're on the verge of panic.
And ask yourself, what would I trade for this?
Nothing. Absolutely nothing. This was my purpose today.

I have a vision. Wherever God sends me, I will bring the gift of music.
I will train up a powerful church choir, I will teach them how to read music, how to make music.
With their hands, with their voices, with their hearts.
For wherever I go, Melia, Madia, and Triste shall follow me.

However, there are pitfalls to avoid when it comes to music, and its making.
I opined to my violin tutor today that music is a very important part of ministry.
And I expected him to agree. But with a stern face he warned me.

"It is important, but only equally important.
remember, the highest importance goes to...Jesus.
Remember, Lucifer was Heaven's Worship Leader once.
His was the music, and his was also the downfall of pride.
It is very often in a musician's life that he is beset by his own ego
and his pride in his mastery of music is the emulation of Lucifer himself"

Heavy words from a man who has himself spent a good part of his life involved in music.

I pondered this. Have I ever let pride take precedence over my worship? Not this time.
I used to feel that way when I performed in university.
Who hasn't heard Jon Black and his violin Madia in the AllOut Cafe?
Who hasn't heard of the blindfolded improvised Romance d'Amor during the International Student's Night?
My heart swelled with pride. Me, I was the thing. The adoration, the applause, all mine.
But not today. Today, it was all about...did I play it right? Did it make the worship beautiful? Have I glorified my Lord through my playing. I suppose I matured a little today.
Food for thought. Who knows, maybe I'll join the worship team for real.
I have a gift, I have been blessed with training.
Maybe its time to give back.