This is what it is all about

My what a time has been had these past few days! I awoke this morning dreading the service before me. I knew that I wouldn't be able to contribute as much to the choir today and had planned on leaving after our anthem. Well, I stayed...and I'm glad I did.

As our guest speaker spoke of his son who battled cancer, he broadened the topic by titling his sermon "Overcoming Unexpected Trials." I listened to Psalm 18 (titled "God:An Absolute Leader in a Relative World" in my study Bible) clutching the pew bible- closed, my heart- paused. Here is what hit home the most:

28For You will light my lamp: The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. 29For by You I can run against a troop, by my God I can leap over a wall. 30As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

It was then that I began to recall everything that has transpired. It is no question that everything happens for a reason. We were refocused as we left the concerns about numbers behind and focused on the true purpose and experience. A flood of emotion came over me and, let's just say it is a good thing there was a box of tissue on my bench.

I love each of you (parents too!) more than you can possibly imagine.

Just in case you missed some of last night...

Ladies, Parents, Supporters...It is with a grateful heart that I construct this message. This has been a season of growth and challenge, of pain and love, of success and reflection. I could not ask for a better group of people with which to work.

Parents, you've met me more than half-way every time. You know what it takes and how to get there. You have granted your daughters' talents to me and helped to guide them all season. While many may see this as a "one-man-show," it is not at all. It takes us all becoming integral parts of this organization to achieve the product desired.

Ladies, ladies. Where to begin? Let us go back to June 15th. I was amazed at how each and every one of you looked familiar. Little did I know that the familiarity would soon become infectious. I had no idea where Chelsea was, what was there (or wasn't), or what to expect from the students. Since day one, you, the eight members before me, have jumped at every chance to succeed. It is with sincere pride that I can say that "I've never had a discipline problem" and "I have the best students ever."

I don't think I will never have another group of individuals with whom I have shared such personal experiences as have occurred this winter season. You've brought myself and many others to tears with your passion, your heart, and your spirit. You have allowed me to introduce, or throw (whichever you prefer), you to the activity and you've made more of a positive impact than most will ever accomplish.

We, all of us together, have successfully completed an entire year of "The Sport of the Arts." We have set tremendous precedents and laid the foundation for great things to come. This program is a family.

To my seniors: I hope you will take some of the lessons learned this past year and apply them to your future. Don't be strangers. You're always welcome to rehearsals and performances. As of May 24th, you are no longer my students but my friends.

To my non-seniors: Get ready! Many have asked, "When will we compete in Nashville?" My honest reply, "As soon as we're ready." We will never take a step back, but rather a look back and remind ourselves from whence we came. Then, we look forward to the future...our future.

~Lindsey Harrison Lingerfelt

Instructor/Coordinator, The Color Guard of Chelsea High