The Show Must Go On

When I think of stage plays, I think of the challenging work that goes into a great production. The actors put in the work to learn their lines and choreography to put on an excellent show. They have time to rehearse and get it right before sharing it with the public, and they work together to ensure a seamless and cohesive performance. Behind the scenes, there is even more taking place. There’s an entire crew to manage things such as set design, props, costumes, makeup, sound, and lighting.

Overseeing it all is the director of the play, and finally, there is the writer. Without the writer, the production would not have been possible because the story would not exist. The director wants to put on a production that the writer would be proud of.

Though there are several differences, I tend to think of my life as a stage play. God, our creator is the writer of the story. I have the privilege of being in the dual role of director and star of my play.

Since I am writing about a play, I can’t help but think of the concession stand and merchandise for the audience to remember their experience in my play. I think I will serve Chipotle. There will also be lots of cotton candy, bubble gum, and unicorn-themed merchandise. The soundtrack is going to be amazing…but I digress.

In life, there is no dress rehearsal. It is a live production. While I am the director, I do not get to choose every one of the characters in my story because the writer already knows whom He wants. I do get to choose how I “act” with them. For some, I can even decide the role they will play in my life. I may also discover that some people who have been on stage with me may need to be in the audience, and maybe not in the front row. There may have been a reason for them to be onstage during Scene 3, Act 2 for example, but they may not be meant to be in the current act or even the rest of the play.

It seems to me at times that some people do not realize or are in denial about the fact that life is not a dress rehearsal. They go through life as frauds, wearing costumes that don’t fit and playing roles and running lines that were not written for them. They waste their lives trying to rewrite the story instead of submitting to the amazing story that the writer has already written. They get to the end and finally realize that. By then it’s too late. There are no additional performances.

I have learned and often remind myself that I simply need to focus on my journey only. When God gives you a vision for your life that involves others and those people fail you, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that it is not about those people. It is about looking to and completely trusting in God. Putting our faith in people will disappoint us every time. When my “co-stars” fail, I must remember that God’s plan for my life is great and will proceed either way. It is easy to lose focus when others are not playing their part because none of us were meant to go on this journey alone. My dependence can only be on God. He knows the entire story. If I am too wrapped up in what my co-stars are or are not doing, I may fail to give my best and authentically play my role. God will work on my co-stars. If they fail to step up, God has an understudy ready to take their place. What is important is my behavior while I am waiting for things to work out.

I am learning to let the writer of my story do His job. Regardless of what I know, I did not write it and it isn’t my job to do His job. After the final curtain call, when the single most important review of my performance takes place, I simply want to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I want everything God has for me, and I plan to do everything that He put me here to do. This is what is on my heart and mind to share with you today. Hopefully, it will encourage you to reflect on your story or entertain you for a moment.

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