The Solo and the Stack of Chairs

Theo practised his solo until he could sing it without looking at the words. He enjoyed music and wanted to do well at the church gathering. When the final note ended, the warm applause made him smile all the way back to his seat.

Afterward, the leader asked several children to help clear lightweight items from the tables while adults moved the heavy chairs. Theo stayed near the piano, waiting for more people to mention his song. He thought the cleanup could be handled by children who had not already done something important.

His friend Lily began gathering programs from the floor. She had sung in the group without receiving a solo. Theo noticed that she was cheerful and did not seem to be waiting for anyone to thank her. The contrast made him uncomfortable.

He joined her and started stacking the programs for recycling. Soon he was carrying empty paper cups and making sure the safe walking space stayed clear. One visitor spoke kindly about his song while he worked. Theo thanked her and kept helping instead of leaving the job half finished to enjoy the compliment.

At home, Father read Paul's words about gifts and charity. Theo understood that his voice was not a reason to place himself above ordinary service. The way he treated people after singing belonged to the same life as the song they had heard.

The next rehearsal, Theo still worked hard on the music. He also arrived early enough to help place the song sheets and stayed when something needed putting away. Using his gift well included caring about the people who shared the room.

Love gives Christian service its proper direction. A strong voice, useful knowledge, or generous action can become a way to demand attention if the heart is careless. Theo did not need to sing badly to become humble. He needed to let love govern what he did before, during, and after the part that others noticed. The quiet work among the empty tables gave him a practical place to begin learning that lesson.