Gifted

Okay, can anyone tell me when I became such a wuss? I mean seriously, what is wrong with me? I've gone totally soft. I've never been one to cry at movies or stuff like that. Yes, you guessed it, that would break my "no crying in public" rule. But now I'm a weepy sap!

Here, I'll show you what I'm talking about. "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown" opened this weekend and it is TERRIFIC. (No, I'm not just saying that because I played an ever-so-small-backstage role in it.) I was positively beaming with pride as the gang danced their hearts out in the opening number. I let out a whoop after Snoopy, who admittedly struggled to learn the choreography in rehearsals, nailed the moves in his first solo. But once my dear friend Jennifer took the stage for her solo "My Philosophy" in the first act, I found myself actually tearing up. What a total softy I've become! Frankly, I wasn't sure what was going on. Granted, I cry at the drop of a hat these days but what the heck triggered this leakage?

I'll tell you what triggered it, seeing Jenn light up the stage with her gifts really touched my heart. Now normally, I'd be completely jealous of her talent. Her voice is so beautiful that I get goosebumps. And she has mastered her character, Sally. But watching her last night, I simply felt overwhelming pride because I truly saw the light of God radiating through her performance. God has given her these amazing gifts and rather than using them for her own glory, she shines her light in worship of the Almighty. Jennifer has taken a backseat for the past few years working behind the scenes but as she steps back onto the stage, I can see this perfect marriage of God-given talent and love of the craft. Have you ever had one of those moments? Where everything just fits together perfectly? It is a wonder to behold.

I'm so proud of Jenn. I'm so proud of the entire creative team. I'm so proud to be associated with this production. There's one more weekend in this run and I strongly encourage you to get tickets. But don't just take my word for it, here's what one audience member said today "the show is so cute and they all have amazing voices. This is my new favorite show." Okay yes, it was my mom who said it but she's got great taste!