Yesterday I had the privilege of sitting in on the final dress rehearsal of Little Women, a play being put on by the Fine Arts Department of Covenant Christian Academy. Its one of the perks of being the mom to the producer.
I sat enjoying the rehearsal, listening to the music, following the dialogue, fully engrossed in the story of the March sisters. When the rehearsal came to a close, the director, Andrew Hoover, gathered the cast on the stage for a few final directions. He stood on a chair and took out a pad. He went through pages, and I mean pages, of notes. I was stunned.
When did he even have time to take those notes as he was moving all around – listening and observing and moving props – almost the entire time I had been present.
He gave directions and changes to each of the cast. But more often than not, as he went through his list, I heard these words, “That’s a note to self.” I was impressed he had not missed to make revisions for himself.
I woke this morning with these words running through my mind….
“But don’t begin (being a disciple and following Jesus) until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, “There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it.” (Luke 14:28-30, NLT)
The director was counting the cost. He was making certain everything was as it should be, the best which could be done, from start to finish. Right down to positioning the cast for curtain call. The man had not missed a beat. Weeks of rehearsals and edits and directing, yet he was still making corrections as long as he was able.
All to make certain the production was performed to achieve the enjoyment of each who would attend.
Count the cost.
And so must we as we live life. It will cost us something to live a life which will pursue hard after Christ. We may have to give up our own plans, or desires, or selfish ways. We may have to be kind to those who hurt our feelings. And then there’s the whole “love your enemy” thing to contend with. We may have to help our neighbors. Apologize more. Sacrifice willingly. Serve others instead of being served. Humble ourselves to be exalted. Lose our life to find it. Give in order to receive.
Life with Christ will challenge us in our humanness. Every. Single. Day.
But may we count the cost. Make the revisions we must to our lives. For in the end, what we have produced will be worth every single effort we have made for we gain Him.
Now as an aside, if you are free tonight, tomorrow night or Saturday, it truly would be worth your time to go see this production of Little Women. It has been produced with excellence! The cast is talented and I was amazed at their abilities to act and sing. There is a live orchestra which enhances the performance. Besides at the same time you would be able to see all which Covenant Christian Academy has to offer in educating their students.
To everyone involved, and I won’t start naming any names as I don’t want to omit anyone …… Take a deep breath. You have each done well. You all are talented beyond belief. May you each have a calm and remember your lines. May each instruction which has been given to you be followed upon. I know each performance is going to be spectacular and enjoyed by everyone who attends. And I know this because the final dress rehearsal was enjoyed and LOVED by me 🙂 And to the kids involved … may you mostly have fun and create memories!
Today I am joining with … Thought Provoking Thurs. and Time Travel and Thriving Thurs. and Thankful Thurs. and Thurs. Favorite Things and Tell His Story and Thrive at Home .
If I would have known the cost, I wonder if I would have followed…I’m so thankful that God brings us along one step at a time. It would’ve been overwhelming to hear the costs all at once, and I’m sure I would’ve given up, thinking I had to do all those things in my own strength.
I cannot help but wonder if – once we get a glimpse of Him, we can’t help but be willing to follow no matter the cost. I think He gives us the strength & willingness to follow Him. So grateful He pursues us & molds us & makes us willing. I’m with you – I am not sure I would have been able to do it on my own at all. So grateful for your thoughts!
Well, this was a timely read for me. I am just a couple days over a week away from the production of the first play I am directing so this resonates completely. Your metaphor is so apt and so encouraging for my journey. Thanks for sharing. I’m visiting from Thought Provoking Thursday and so glad I did!
Natalie, your comment moved me to tears. I already had a post written for today. I woke early to write this one after going to the dress rehearsal last night. God knew which astounds me. I will be praying for you as your play draws near. May God give you strength & keep you healthy during this tiring time. And when the performance dates arrive, may He give you the ability to enjoy the time not just get through it! Thank you, thank you for sharing with me today. You have greatly encouraged me to listen when He puts something different on my heart. And for you, be assured that He sees the one! How amazing!
Blessings!!!!
Thanks for sharing that. What a beautiful example of the good that He works together in our lives. I had a switch in my own posting plans for this morning. That makes me smile. Thanks, too, for your prayers. I so appraise the specificity of your words. They are spot on.
I think you said it all right here – ‘Life with Christ will challenge us in our humanness.’ This I will take with me as I move through today. I thank you for the challenge this morning. The humanness can take a back seat. By His grace!
I had to laugh as I read “humanness can take a back seat”. I thought, “I don’t even want it in the same car as me!!” 🙂 It is so by His grace alone! Thank you so much for sharing with me today! Have a great Thurs.!
Thank you for sharing your lovely blog at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop xo
Grateful to be with you each week. Thank you for hosting such a lovely linkup.
Thank you so much for linking up with me today. I love how you used this stage production as a way to show how we must count the cost of our actions. Have a wonderful day!
Sarah, I so appreciate your encouragement! Thank you so much. Enjoy your weekend!
Just today I prayed that God would give me a heart to serve instead of being served. Romans 12:1
Laura, it is so true. If we are going to serve others, we are going to need to be intentional about it. And to be intentional, we are going to need to ask Him to give us a heart bent towards serving otherwise, we will default to our desire to be served. I am so glad you stopped & shared with me. Hope this finds things going well for you & your girls! Blessings, friend!