All-Encompassing Gifts

Yesterday, for a couple of hours, I scribed ramblings-of-my-own to be sent to your inbox today.

Halfway through, I found that the premise being promoted to make my point might be incorrect.  In fact, perhaps being so very wrong that a complete 180-degree reversal was required.  I continued to write but with a completely new focus on the examples.  It happens.

And this morning, I now find that yesterday’s efforts are to be delayed or more likely, scrapped altogether. It happens.

While I witnessed the internal debate (to continue or not to continue), I came across this 5-minute Ode to Joy Flash Mob YouTube video.  And with that, the decision was made in full agreement with those in-house adversaries. 

It’s the children, really.  It begins with the lone little girl dropping coins into a top hat placed in front of a formally dressed musician.  She finds that she is unable to bring herself to leave the immediate vicinity for the entirety of the soon-to-be flash mob performance.

Banco Sabadell Ode to Joy flash mob YouTube

You’ll see a girl-in-red climbing a light post and eventually directing the orchestra in her own adorable way. In fact, if you watch closely, you’ll notice that almost every child seems to relish the opportunity to conduct this sprouting ensemble, including a mother-assisted baby. You’ll see children dance from high-ground perches accompanied by those held aloft by loving adults.

And then, there are all those cameras. They show up in the hands of a gathering assembly that pauses and examines and questions the cause of such a ruckus. This is because, well, this is the world we live in.  Things like this get recorded – so very grateful.

People look at each other. They are hesitatingly intrigued while exhibiting questioning confusion within their gazes. 

Eventually, as the generous and seemingly impromptu event is revealed, smiles from old and young appear throughout the square.

And of course, from the orchestra as well. 

Listening, you’ll notice that the melody is well known. So then, it is no surprise that singing soon begins: first with a few talented artists and quickly branching out into a spontaneous tsunami of public voice which peaks in a full and satisfying crescendo.  

Applause thunders.  It is over.

But the experience will certainly not be forgotten.  I imagine the effect this offer of music had on hundreds of surprised and delighted people.  The presentation began at 6:00 PM. I am guessing that all slept much better that night.  

A showering gift fell on each person, young, old, and in-between.  It didn’t care about bank accounts.  It didn’t care about the colors of skin.  It didn’t care about nationalities or politics or gender.  It didn’t care about any of the divisions we create among ourselves.  It flowed over every single person the way music has a gracious tendency to do. 

Each note found an ear.  Each note struck an emotion.  Each note accompanied a memory. Each note served to bring this group together as one. 

As for me, I thought this to be a great way to start a Sunday morning.  

Share at your pleasure.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5: 43-48