On a recent last minute trip to Nashville, the girls and I were able to experience our first Grand Ole Opry show. Being Thanksgiving weekend and one of the busiest times around the Opryland Hotel and Opry Mills Mall, I was surprised to find some balcony tickets available and knew it would be a fun to experience the Nashville country flavor in a family friendly environment.
Carrie Underwood introduced the evening through a prerecorded video that explained the history behind the “circle” of different colored wood on the stage, and the emotion that artists feel as they walk into that circle on the Grand Ole Opry stage. I was surprise to learn the Grand Ole Opry is coming up on 100 years running.
The show was a blend of old and new talent and featured more than just vocal artists. I appreciated the spotlight given to the instrumentalists on stage and we were blown away from the talent of a harmonica player.
As the show moved from one act to the next, what caught my eye was the limber camera man in the shadows who would stretch and contort himself to film varying angles of the artists and instrumentalists. He knew how to project the artists in the best light to shine for the audience on the big screens.
More than any artist on stage, it was this camera man that I resonated with. I have spent many years in the shadows finding and casting the best light to tell the story of children, families, and various events. I am at peace when I am able to fulfill this creative role in my life.
Sitting on one side of me was a daughter who didn’t particularly want to be there, but allowed herself to relax into the show and enjoy the experience. Understanding music and playing the clarinet in the school band, I envisioned her on stage as an accompanying musician. The other daughter on my other side was excited to see the stage where some of her favorites like Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash once performed. She is developing a vocal talent and I could see her standing in that circle one day with a microphone in hand. As much as she can see herself also in the circle, she fears the spotlight corrupting her strong moral character. Her fears light a fire in me to guide her to be a light in this dark world!
In Life
Whether you are called to be in the circle as the lead performer, backup singer/musician, or the one recording the event, be proud of the role you play to deliver an excellent show to the spectators.
It is always more fun to participate in life than to be a spectator.
