Archive for category work

Ring it out!

Oct 14

Posted by matrill in Christian living, church, music, work | No Comments

Last week, Maribeth and I had the opportunity to attend an orchestra concert at Carnegie Hall that we enjoyed very much. During one piece, I noticed one of stan_head_1the performers in particular. He sat on a stool in the corner of the back row along with the other percussionists. However, for most of the song he did nothing. Finally, his moment came and he picked up his triangle and struck it several times in rhythm. It lasted for but a few measures of the lengthy song, and just as soon as he had started – the piece was finished.

In contrast, the percussionist in the center of that top row had five timpani before him. His part began in the first measures and lasted throughout the song until its thunderous conclusion. He was responsible for producing the percussive foundation for every other instrument that was being played. You could not help but notice him as his arms rose high above his head and the mallets came crashing down rapidly. At some points, his arms appeared as just a blur, and the sound of the drums hit you in the chest (even in the balcony). Others in that back row had bells, snares, cymbals, and even a gong.

And on the end was the tiny triangle. “Ting, ting, ting…”

One of the things you’ll discover is that percussionists interchange instruments for different pieces. The performer who begins on the bells may smoothly transition to drums or cymbals on the next song. So, our overlooked triangle ringer was fully capable of performing skillfully on any of the other instruments, and did so throughout the night. But for that one piece he had what was arguably the least important job of the entire orchestra. (I apologize to anyone who only played triangle in your school’s orchestra.) Perhaps overlooked and underappreciated.

But not by the composer.

As he crafted the music, a concept was in his mind. He labored expertly to transfer mood to melody, convey ideas through tempo and rhythm, and voice emotions in instrumentation. For the composer (and later, the conductor) each part for each instrument is important. If it is missing (or performed thoughtlessly or with little effort) the entire piece suffers. The music does not accomplish what the composer intended.

And so it is in our Christian walk and ministry for the Lord. He is the one who calls us and assigns our parts. He equips us and instructs us. He is the One with a plan to accomplish His purposes. He adds us to His church and orchestrates our service.

Sometimes, that includes work that is full of flourish and fanfare. It is recognized by almost everyone, and we receive heavy doses of appreciation and thanks. Other times, it is a job that is noticed by only a handful of people, and esteemed by even fewer. We feel like an overlooked and underappreciated triangle player in an orchestra.

A few biblical thoughts should help us with this. First, in everything we do, our service is ultimately done toward God. Second, He never misses even the least aspects of ministry done for His sake. Third, He is the great rewarder. Finally, although the job may seem insignificant, it can be a part of His masterplan for our lives, His church, and its work on this earth.

Colossians 3:23–24 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

So, if all you have to offer is a cup of water, share it with someone in the name of Christ. If your audience is just one person or a full stadium, give them the Gospel with prayerful enthusiasm. If you serve “behind the scenes” while others labor in the spotlight, do it for the Savior’s sake, and know that He is pleased.

If all you find to play is a triangle…Ring it with all your heart!

Ever heard of Amos Alonzo Stagg?

Sep 26

Posted by matrill in Christian living, football, work | No Comments

 

As of today, Amos Alonzo Stagg holds the record for most losses in the history of major college football. Over his coaching career he lost 199 times! Interestingly, he also used to hold the record for most wins, until Bear Bryant passed him in 1981.

BrownWatson1Sometime Stagg’s long held record will fall. In fact, it could be as early as Saturday when Watson Brown’s Tennessee Golden Eagles face the University of Northern Iowa. After last week’s defeat, Coach Brown has struggled through 199 losses – with the next one likely to come at some point this season. Even though his teams have won 128 games, and he has led them to seven winning seasons, he will likely be better remembered for something far more negative – being the first coach to record 200 losses in his career. (Just to add insult to injury, his brother Mack Brown won a national championship at Texas in 2005.)

Watson Brown has been the head coach at several different schools including Austin Peay, Cincinnati, Rice, Vanderbilt, and UAB. Every time he came in with the goal of taking a struggling team or a fledgling program and making improvements. Sometimes he was able to do that, but never able to win more than seven games in a season. That adds up to a whole lot of “L”s on your résumé.

I read Watson Brown’s story this week and was encouraged. Sometimes when you are trying to serve well, things are just a bit trying. This has been one of “those weeks” personally. A struggle or setback here and there add up quickly. When you experience an unexpected loss you need a pick-me-up.

“Wait…encouraged by a guy who will be remembered as a loser?”

In fact, his win-loss record is not the full story. What must be said about Coach Brown is that his players – present and former – speak highly of his character and influence. They appreciate his investment in their lives and careers. His brother’s assessment was that Watson has always worked within the rules and guidelines. He’s never been reported to or investigated by the NCAA for infractions. Never had a violation during all those years. For 29 seasons as a head coach, he has worked hard and done his job to the best of his ability.

The Apostle Paul would summarize his life of ministry this way: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 2 Timothy 4:7

Recognizing the high value God places on faithfulness, Paul ignored the miles traveled, numbers of souls saved, churches founded, etc. Surely, these could be considered accurate measures of his ministry.  Yet, perhaps he understood that even if his ministry had taken a different course through the years – or had different results – he still would be considered successful if he remained faithful to God and His calling.

Maybe your week hasn’t turned out like you expected. Maybe even this year or longer. Maybe your best attempts to serve the Lord or others didn’t produce the results for which you had hoped. Perhaps you faced unexpected obstacles. Your attempt to witness was rebuffed by someone. Your efforts of service were unappreciated or ignored. The greater question is “Were you faithful to do what God asked?” If so, then consider your work a success.

Everyday Greatness

Feb 8

Posted by matrill in football, New Testament Baptist Church, work | No Comments

The legendary coach Tom Landry once said, “The job of a football coach is to make men do what they don’t want to do, in order to achieve what they’ve always wanted to be.” (Perhaps that should be printed on my gym membership card!)

Great accomplishments are often achieved by tackling the simple things that we avoid because they seem too hard or unpleasant. In fact, success is often found by doing the things that other people neglect. This requires the personal discipline to respond to all of life’s challenges and demands.

The wise king Solomon offered extremely practical advice regarding our efforts:

“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” Proverbs 10:4

Sure, there are days when you don’t feel like doing all that is expected of you. Rather than view all of life’s demands as a huge beast ready to swallow you up, separate them into manageable tasks. Undertaking them one-by-one will give you a taste of victory.

Spiritual discipline and success follows a similar pattern. Doing great things for God is often the result of faithful obedience in the ordinary things to which He calls us. Every day presents opportunities to think, speak, and act in a way that pleases the Lord. Remember that He is always committed to rewarding the consistent obedience of His children.

1 Cor. 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.