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| "a rose by any other name would smell as sweet" Shakespeare |
I was struck with a pang nestled in my spirit. A pang I had not felt for quite some time, but nonetheless reminded me of the significant change I was about to experience.
I was in Solvang, California walking with my husband and son to the Festival Theater, for a Shakespearean outdoor experience. The thrill of seeing a stage production while on vacation, gave a skip to my steps upon the cobblestone. I couldn't imagine a more perfect evening than under the stars and before a stage with those you love? Yet, with the sweet aroma of pleasure wafting about me, I felt a prick of sorrow within.
For the past twenty years, I have played part in the most romantic love story. The tale of how my affection has been pursued day and night, by One who desires my full attention and unyielding passion. Our story not unlike the centuries old drama which speaks to generation after generation, while transcending man's comprehension: A would be bride and groom separated by sin until united by death. God my Romeo and I his Juliette.
In this role of leading lady, the lover of my soul has beckoned me again and again to the theater. Thus granting more than an eternal romance, He has afforded me glorious moments about the stage. My first encounter in high school an awkward stumble, without his careful guidance. Though love came quickly, I soon found myself caught in the crossfire of Capulet dreams I had for myself and Montague demands for a bride. Like Tybalt, I fought for my dream with pride and in so doing, killed my hope of basking in the limelight. The curtain fell with a cruel thud as the lights faded to black. In confusion and despair I chose poison and turned my back on the theater and the Light. A profound and painful prick. Life was dull, colorless and void of Light for a few dark and desperate years. But oh, how the Lord loves. My faithful and patient God, after allowing me to suffer a season off stage, wooed me back into the safe fold of his embrace. This time I joyfully surrendered to His plan. Once sealed in his grace, He led me back to the theater; this time for His glory. There He cast his Light upon me, and I flourished: budding dramatic ministry after dramatic ministry. While the Lord called me to the stage, he also blessed me with an amazing husband. Kevin, my parallel love of twenty-one years, has generously afforded me the freedom to serve the LORD with my passion for the Arts. Together Kevin and I have sacrificed a lot for this call from our first love. Without my husband's constant affection, encouragement and support, I would have perhaps stumbled a second time through the theater. Consequently, missing some kingdom glory. Twenty years of productions and ministry is a hearty run. But even the best shows eventually come to an end. Romeo beckons Juliette away from the stage. And while joy, passion and adventure remain part of our story, I expect--at least for a while--my heart will mourn the once again closed stage door. Had I known my last musical would be a final curtain call, I don't believe I would have done anything different: Perhaps I would have taken a bow. And though a small sorrow has pricked my heart, it came from the rose God tossed before my feet. Drawing a tear from my eye and praise from my lips, as my soul cries out to Him; BRAVO, my LORD! BRAVO! |
