theological reflections on being directed.

Someone told me: There are two kinds of people in the world--actors and directors.  To which I retorted, more than either of those, I like to be directed.
I have been directed in a number of ways, but, right now, I'm mostly referring to being directed in an orchestra.

-A director pulls something out of you that even you don't believe is there.  She calls something that is not, into being.
-She sees the whole picture.  No one else can see or hear the whole orchestra, only her.  This is why everyone must follow her lead.
-A director is one person among 50ish.  She cannot force everyone to pay attention and do as she says.  Those being directed need to pay attention.  There is a lot going on and a lot one could do on their own, but amid all of that, you have to watch and listen for/to the director.  You have to learn a special sort of focus that allows you to both read the music and watch the director, to listen to yourself and to the people around you and to the people across the room.  This is a focus that allows you to witness more than what is focused on, but still be focused on one area.  This is a focus that allows you to know the director well enough that even when you glance at your music, you can still follow someone you're not watching that moment.
-Having orchestra first thing every morning for four years in a row is a practice that shapes people.  Every day for four years, I needed to practice the disciplines of listening, submission, obedience, community, etc. That sets the tone for the day; it does something to a person.  I didn't realize it until it wasn't built in to my schedule anymore.