This past week I have been traveling around Washington, DC — seeing the sights and singing with our student choir. This was my seventh trip with the group, but my first time as a leader. It has been a fun experience, but being in a new position has shown me a lot of new things that I never noticed before. So, here is what I learned this past week:
1. Families are crazy, but you love them anyways.
Whether you’re the parent, the kid or the crazy uncle that just shows up for everything… It doesn’t matter if you’re being controlling or annoying, because, at the end of the day, you love each other and are always willing to do anything for them.
2. Satan is real.
Everyday there have been new challenges and obstacles we have had to face that have threatened our core as a group. From illnesses to pride to gossip, there is no doubt we have been attacked both physically and spiritually.
3. Laughter is one of the best medicines.
This week we faced long walks and lice — neither one of which is ever fun to deal with. But we learned that it’s not worth your time to drown in misery and anger. We learned that you just have to laugh it off, make a joke to lift everyone’s spirits and to refocus everyone’s minds on the long-term goals.
4. A smile can go a really long way.
At our first church service on our trip, we heard the preaching of the youth pastor from our director’s old church. One of the things he said really spoke to me: “We need to encourage those around us.” It doesn’t matter how we do it, but a little encouragement can go a long way. Whether it’s a smile or a kind word, you can completely overhaul someone’s day and give them glorious hope for the future.
5. People aren’t always as they seem.
People always say that first impressions are everything, but you can’t trust them completely. People change or put up fronts to give false impressions when you first meet them. Take time to let your opinions build, never base them on one occasion and don’t let other’s opinions influence yours too much.
6. The hardest stories can be some of the most joyful.
For one of our concert services we visited Central Union Mission, a housing place for men overcoming drug and alcohol addiction. Many of them have very little in terms of worldly possessions, but from their hearts and the way they worship, you would think they are the richest people in the world. It just goes to show, you don’t need money or stuff to live a happy, full life.
7. You can find your family anywhere.
Over the week we visited several recovery centers for drug and alcohol addiction. I’ve been to many throughout my years in choir, but I always am reminded of this truth when we visit. These guys have never met or spent time with their classmates, but by the time they graduate, they are a family and are closer than most.
8. Time is important.
"If you’re 1 minute late you’re wasting 79 minutes.” This was our director’s quote of the week. He used it to remind us that we did have a schedule to keep and that we didn’t need to waste any of our time. With rush hour traffic and just being in a city bigger than what we are used to, it would be easy to get lost, so we had to move fast and move together. But we adapted and learned to take advantage of every opportunity before us.
9. Be humble.
This week we were challenged to think about putting our needs behind those of others and, most importantly, behind the will of God. Our plans and desires may seem important to us but in the grand scheme of things God’s plan for our lives is far greater than anything we could ever ask or imagine. This life is not about us — it is all about Him.
10. We are worshipers first, choir second.
The goal of our group is to mold students into worshipers of Christ who happen to sing together in a choir. And this week we have been able to get closer to that goal than I think we ever have. The students truly experienced the presence of God through song and through our community of unity with one another and those we encountered throughout the week. Our focus was on Him, and through us, we were able to show His light and love.
