I'm also a horrible planner. If you looked up "procrastinator" in the dictionary, you'd find a picture of my face but there would be no excerpt written in the definition because I haven't gotten around to it yet.
I had a few ideas to help the support raising process along, but they ended up fading out of view or were half-way planned and then I ran out of time.
However I couldn't seem to shake the idea of doing SOME support raising event.
I was praying about it on a drive from Cincinnati to Muncie, asking God for direction when He brought to mind an idea I had played with before but never pursued. Holding a cafe concert. I cringed a little bit and went into an adolescent rant with God. "I don't really want to, though. It was just a thought, God. Ok, I kinda want to but am feeling insecure about it, cause I don't like to perform in front of others... by myself. And since when have I been a stellar musician?... My voice isn't that good and really I'm not the best guitarist. I'm not Bethany Dillon, You know." Back and forth until I realized it was pointless on my end because God was already calling me to step out in faith and put aside my foolish pride and delirious thoughts about the talents HE has given me. So I spent the rest of the drive tentatively planning the event in my head. Later that night I shared the idea with my sister and bro-in-law and though my sister gave me a cautious look of "You're going to plan something?" they were supportive and excited. I knew if I didn't tell others about the idea I would be tempted to let it fall through the cracks. That's the thing about obedience, accountability is key. So I was quick to share the idea with my best friend who was out of her mind with excitement. The excitement and support I received from those I told in the beginning was a driving force in the planning process.
As I began the planning process everything seemed to just fall in place, no doubt through God's provision. I found the venue I wanted at Vecinos Coffee house and happened to be friends with the event coordinator there. My sister and mother slaved over the baking of DELICIOUS treats and goodies to provide for the event.The hand percussionist from my church agreed to play for the event and thus added so much to the musical flow. My precious niece and nephews agreed to appear as special guests through song, as an artist, and a drummer. Though my set-list of songs didn't fully come together until the week before the event, I felt God's guidance in the song choosing process and was led to songs in which I felt passionate.
As I considered how to go about handling donations I was again was led to take a step of faith and obedience. I felt that God's desire was for me to make it a free event where others could make a donation if they were so led. He crafted the focus to be a community gathering where I could share my passion for music and Argentina. And that is exactly how it played out.
I could not have asked for a smoother event. I was so blessed by the support I received from all who turned up, those who gave of their time or finances, and those who showed excitement and interest though they were unable to come. And I am amazed at my faithful God who spoke through my songs, my words in sharing about my friends in Argentina, and even the occasional tears that came out of the wellspring of joy and sorrow. He is faithful when we are obedient.
Click on the following links to view the songs my sister took videos of... sorry for the poor sound quality
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