Yesterday, a man spoke in church about how when we are born God
gives each of us a talent. That talent is left for us to discover because,
sometimes, it’s not an immediate revelation. While some find it when they are
children others may encounter theirs when they are adults. That talent is for
us to do what we may with it. We can develop it. We can hide it. We can share
it with others. We can teach others about it so they can increase theirs. Some
are truly blessed and have multiple talents.
While I’m not the best vocalist, I do try and share what I
think is my talent. It is such a joy for me to watch people dance to our music
whether it’s the cover of a song or an original that was penned from my own
hand. When the clubs are filled with patrons having a good time it makes my
heart smile and I know God is happy with me.
The most wonderful part of my job is the children. When they
are at the campgrounds and family functions I love to include them. When you
think about it, little children are not the usual audience to attend a national
concert on the stages of Bangor or Portland. When we, as a band, perform at
these functions, we are the first “concert” they actually see. The children
will come up to the stage and stare at the instruments. Others will stand right
in front of me and watch my sparkling microphone. These are things they’ve
never seen in real life. The music doesn’t come out of a tiny box or cell
phone. They aren’t watching it as it is Chrome-casted on a television screen in
a YouTube video.
It’s live. And to them, it’s amazing!
We have the kids come up on stage and dance or sing or, if
we have it, play the tambourine. From that moment on, that’s all they can think
about. I wish I had saved each message from a parent saying “Ever since we saw
you play that‘s all my child thinks about. He/she wants a guitar/drums/microphone
for their birthday/Christmas!”
We planted a seed.
A seed of music in a young child is a powerful thing.
Studies have been shown that music helps a child learn and study better. They
are better students because they can focus on a task because they focus on
learning a song or a riff or a drumbeat. It helps them overcome shyness because
they start to perform in front of others or join a group that makes them work
with others. They can nourish that seed and, if they want, have it grow into one
of the most wonderful talents a person can have and one of the easiest things
to share.
I see the seeds in my own children growing. Jayden has taken
to the drums like a natural. Brad has been playing guitar for years and has
started talking about starting his own band with his friends. Anderson is now
singing loud and proud at church. They see me and Chad and how hard we work at
our music and it is rubbing off on them. We would never force them to play but
we will encourage them when they are practicing. It’s our jobs as parents to
help them nourish their talent.
It’s also my responsibility as an entertainer to give 150%
each time I perform. In every crowd there is always someone that has never
heard us. We may do the same 60 songs at every gig but there is no excuse for
not giving it your all every time. You only have one chance to make a good
first impression. I refuse to let that chance slip by because you never know
who that one person is. It could be someone looking to hire your band for an
event. It could be the next Jimi Hendrix or Carrie Underwood watching you play
or sing. You will never know the affect you have on others.
Take your gift from God and make it grow. Whether it is music,
teaching, sports…it doesn’t matter. Discover your gift and develop it. It will
not only fill your heart but it will fill others. And you can be sure God will
be smiling.
