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Looking Out the Window: A Michelle Massaro Devotional for the Here and Now




Not A Dress Rehearsal
My pastor on Sunday used this phrase, "It's not a dress rehearsal", referring to life. Whatever it is we want to do for Christ, we have one life to do it.

I really held onto that. There's no do-overs, there's no practice. This is it. My husband, my children, my ministries, my role in these relationships- it's all a now-or-never/ do-or-die kind of thing. And time is ever slipping away. So I've been pondering this the last few days...

The difference between a dress rehearsal and the real show is that the real show brings a sense of urgency; a sense of intensity, concentration, and focus. THIS IS IT, DON'T BLOW IT. So these words bring with them the call to action- to not put off those things you talk about wanting to do, like daily devotions, weekly family times, volunteering, studying the Bible more deeply, or having a heart-to-heart talk with your kids/spouse/loved one about Christ. Don't say "some day I'd like to do this". Do it now. The heat is on.

But you know what else is different between the show and the rehearsal? Yes, there is more pressure during the show. But there's another awesome difference. During the live performance, the show must go on! If you flub a line, hit a wrong note, or miss a cue, you don't cry or walk off the stage or even break character- you keep going. You don't have the option of wallowing in self-pity over your mistakes- you're in the middle of a show! Someone is watching! In rehearsals you might stop and examine the mistakes and even berate yourself or others to getting it right next time, but when Opening Night arrives there is no time for that. It's part of the rush of excitement that is experienced by performers. There's urgency, focus, on what is coming, and freedom in forgetting, what is past. It's the only way to make it through a show.

It's the only way to live for Christ. What a freeing concept! Yes, I only have one shot to live this life the way I aspire to. But sweating my mistakes along the way will only hinder me. Focus. Then forget. Focus. Then forget. Repeat as necessary!"Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."~Philipians 3:13

BIO

Michelle Massaro is the Assistant Editor for the literary website Clash of the Titles and an aspiring novelist. She resides in sunny So Cal with her husband of 15 years and their four children ranging in age from 21 months to 15 years. She is an active member of her church, singing on the worship team and periodically teaching origins science to the Jr. High students. Above all, she is a follower of Christ Jesus, unashamed to stand upon the Word of God from beginning to end. Get to know Michelle better at her blog, Adventures in Writing , or on facebook.

Comments

Lisa Lickel said…
Oh, so very true, Michelle. Thanks, Gail and Michelle, for a great reminder and the encouragement.
Miss Mae said…
Yes, there are no dress rehearsals to Life. Each day may be our last, so we should always consider how we spend it. Good things to think upon, Michelle!
DanielleThorne said…
What a super post! So true. Thank you for a wonderful reminder about our purposes here. It's so easy to get distracted and forget.
Anne Patrick said…
Great devotional, Michelle, and a wonderful reminder that it isn't about us.
Very inspiring words, Michelle. So true about the need to stay focused and not get sidetracked by mistakes. With God's help, we can keep going. Thank you Michelle and Gail!
Gail Pallotta said…
Hi Everyone,
Thanks so much for stopping by to read Michelle's wonderful devotional.
Thanks to all of you for reading and commenting! I'm glad to share the things the Lord speaks to my heart with my sisters. I know I tend to be the frazzled 'everything must be perfect' type, and it often cripples me. Remembering not to get stuck but to go on with the show is something God has been whispering to me lately.
Laurean Brooks said…
Gail, thanks for hosting Michelle. Michelle, you put a lot of thought into this post. Plenty of food for thought. You are right; we get one time around. Let's use it wisely. Prioritize what's important: God, family, friends.
April Gardner said…
Excellent. And perfect timing for me to read this--then again, God's timing is always perfect, isn't it? Thanks, Michelle for this beautiful post. Truly, God-inspired. (and a shout-out to Gail!)
Gail Pallotta said…
Hi April,
Thanks so much for coming by.

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