From the General Presbyter

Bad Karaoke

On my recent vacation to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, I reserved an oceanfront condo located within a resort. From my balcony, I could hear children playing in the swimming pool, people laughing while dining outdoors and….bad karaoke!

Okay, there were a few people with good voices but for the most part, these folks offered less than stellar renditions of their favorite songs, some off key, some off beat, some completely missing the mark. At one point, my daughter, who is very nonjudgmental, raised her eyebrows and stifled a laugh.

But you know what? I had to check my opinions at the door because I realized a few things. First, these folks were brave enough to get up in front of strangers and sing. Perhaps they have done it before, or it was their first time. Either way, they did it. Second, the dinner crowd was cheering them on, regardless of how they sounded. At the very least, this person was contributing to the festivities of a beach vacation. Third, the DJ concluded each number with a cheerful “give it up for Bob!!!! (or Sandra or whoever). And you know what? I “gave it up” from the balcony.

These past years may have felt like bad karaoke. We may still feel off key or off beat. We may feel like we are missing it altogether when folks do not return to regular in person worship. But we keep trying new things, improving on last year’s initiatives, cheering each other on and cheering ourselves on. The joy is in serving God and being together wherever we may be. The joy is in the singing of the liberating Gospel and “giving it up” to Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit that is still very much present! Sing on!

– Jackie