November 12 – “A Children’s Musical Event”

We made our way to Waco yesterday.  The state convention of Baptists happens to be going on starting tomorrow, so we decided to see if it operated any differently than it did the last time we went to one of them.  Of course that was back in the 1980’s and it was held in Dallas that year.  Lots of different issues have washed under the bridge since then.  Besides, we didn’t even have to pay for a hotel room.  Can’t beat having a quality collection of grandchildren around to “invite you” to stay with them for a few days.  And it also wouldn’t hurt our feelings any if Christi just happened to go into labor while we are here.  That would save us a four hour rush trip to greet baby AnnaGrace. 

Last night we managed to score some tickets to a children’s musical production.  Josh had to attend a graduation ceremony, so the rest of us went to see the musical version of Rapunzel.  The most interesting thing about this play?  The oldest actor was 14 years old.  Yep.  All the characters were children from about eight to fourteen years old.  And I gotta say, they really did do a good job.  Oh, the quality of singing was certainly suspect at times (But who am I to judge quality of singing, anyway?  Especially not after that video of my ukulele recital was leaked to the internet).  But not a single cue was missed, and best I could tell, no lines were flubbed up, either.  The set design was exceptional, and the backstage crew was one of the best I have seen in community productions like this where everyone is a volunteer.  They were dropping backdrops from the rafters and rolling set pieces back and forth like seasoned veterans.  My favorites among the actors were the set of four good friends who grew up together, always jostling and taunting each other good-naturedly.  One of the boys from Josh’s church was in one of these roles.  The four of them really stole the show as far as I was concerned. 

This morning we are heading out early.  Josh and Zak are running in a 5K race, so we are going to cheer them on.  I remember running in the Cowtown 10K with Josh when he was but a youngster.  Sigh.  Wish I was running with them.  That would be something to write about.  Probably from a hospital bed, but an interesting story, anyway.  It is only a little after six, and Zak has started stirring already.  I understand we are going to drive through at Shipley’s for some donuts on the way to the race.  That’ll work for me.  So give a little cheer for the two Vaughan runners this morning.

Ephesians 1:18-19 says, “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”

Father, watch over all the folks in the run this morning.  Thank you for the great weather, too.  Perfect running weather.  Amen.