Eyes on the Conductor

Today, I looked out the window and saw some magic snow! (That’s the kind that falls but doesn’t stick, at least according to my definition (see my blog entry from 12/29/09).) I was concerned that the roads were going to be too terrible to travel on this evening but am relieved they don’t seem all that terrible for now. I have a friend who is going to get baptized tonight, and I don’t want to miss seeing it. It’s winter. It’s supposed to snow. God is the One who brings it. Psalm 147:16 says He spreads snow like wool. Yet He knows that there are important events, at least in my life right now, that some pesky weather conditions shouldn’t hinder. Even as I type this, the sun has even begun to shine.

God’s ways and plans are so much higher than our ways and plans. (See Isaiah 55:8-9.) His timing is impeccable, and I don’t usually understand it, especially when I’m going through some tough stuff, but it blows my mind. He orchestrates things just right. For example, this winter, I’ve got the opportunity to work on some writing projects that I don’t think would go so smoothly if God hadn’t just brought me through some emotional healing. He’s squeezed out some fear that used to be lurking in my soul, and now I’m more freed up to do things like take risks and experiment creatively. That’s something I need to do as a creative writer. I can’t be who God created me to be if I’m weighed down by something like fear of failure or hiding behind something old like fear of rejection. He wants me to soar, like the eagles in Isaiah 40:31, above all the storms, all the odds, and anything that might discourage me from forging ahead. He wants me to fly.

When I played the French horn in junior-high band, I remember the band directors always harping on us to keep our eyes on them. We needed to keep our music stands raised at eye level so we could read our music while constantly glancing at the director, who would constantly signal important things like tempo and dynamic changes. They would often get frustrated with us if we weren’t watching them and missed something important.

God is much more patient with us than my band directors were (no offense to any who might be reading this), but I think He conducts life in His Kingdom in a similar way. It’s almost as if we’re the musicians in His giant orchestra, each with a different instrument and part to play. It’s almost as if He’s the Conductor who knows the plan, knows which part of the music is coming up next, and cues each instrument to come in at the exact time they need to. If we don’t keep our eyes on Him, we could miss something important. If I’m in His orchestra with my French horn waiting for my chance to play, and I get distracted by something (maybe someone in the audience is mocking the orch dorks or the band nerds and making faces), I could miss it. What if I’m supposed to play a solo? I wouldn’t want to mess up something huge like a solo that my Conductor entrusted to me, something that I’ve been practicing and preparing for months ahead of time.

In recent months, as I’ve been praying through decisions and anxieties, God keeps reminding me, “Eyes on Me.” I think as long as I keep following my Conductor, He’ll make sure I play my part when it’s time. He knows the perfect time.

Sigh. The Nutcracker plays quietly on my computer, and memories of the magic snow hang heavily in the crisp air!

Bible verses that make you go, “Aw, snap”

I would cheerfully like to offer you some scriptures that, uh, might not be all that encouraging right away.

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Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, lest he become weary of you and hate you. (Proverbs 25:17, NKJV)

My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away. (Psalm 38:11, NIV)

You have taken my companions and loved ones from me; the darkness is my closest friend. (Psalm 88:18, NIV)

The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends. (Proverbs 14:20, NIV)

Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief. (Proverbs 14:13, NIV)

Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. (Proverbs 27:5, NKJV)

Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. (Proverbs 27:6, NKJV)

Let a righteous man strike me -- it is a kindness; let him rebuke me -- it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it. (Psalm 141:5, NIV)

A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool. (Proverbs 17:10, NIV)

Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is counted prudent. (Proverbs 17:28, NASB)

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Uh, I’ll shut up now. LOL