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SILENT NIGHT
One night this past week I sang in a chorus. It had been a long time since I had sung in a chorus. It was good that talent was not needed for participation in this chorus because I have little musical talent. Correction, not little, none. Yet they let me sing and be a part, and even seemed to appreciate my participation. Our performance was here in Nashville, Music City. I doubt if there were any big producers or record big wigs in this audience looking for hidden talent. They don’t look for such at this location. But we sang and it was good, more than good, it was special.
Let’s see, I sang with David, Howard, Mark, Ed., Bob, Earl, John, and about sixty others. Yes, there were also a few ladies sprinkled among this chorus.
You see, we sang with a group of homeless folks. You wanna be moved emotionally, especially just a few days before Christmas, then go to a homeless shelter and spend the evening sitting with them, eating and visiting. Then close the evening with an all sing; everyone in the room was singing Silent Night. I haven’t sung that song since I was a small child, and have it affect me as it did that night. I can’t speak for the house, but for me, “there was not a dry eye in the (my) house.”
The church where my wife and I attend supports a program called Room in the Inn. In the winter months the homeless and street people are brought to our church building one night a week for food and housing for the night; my wife and I have assisted with this program at various times. On occasions I drive the morning van taking them back to that shelter. Tonight, along with a small group from our church, we went to their main shelter in downtown Nashville and provided some food and musical entertainment by a trio from our congregation.
Have you ever thought what has kept you from some of the same misfortunes that some of these folks are experiencing? Yes, true some of their misfortunes are of their less than good choices. But not in all or every case. Sitting with these folks and singing Silent Night can make one think and be thankful.
I once heard it said:
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December 21, 2013
Keep on,
Larry Adamson