How General Jackson Helps 'Conduct' My Ways

     Who would guess that what I’m learning in choir would help to set a course for my life?     
     But that’s what occurs through my choral director, a spry woman of eighty-nine sometimes called General Jackson. Jo Ann warns that singing is boring if we punch out every word at the same volume. The gentle general says we need dynamics, variations between a whisper and a crescendo.     
     Through her graciousness in teaching music, Jo Ann demonstrates that even though I can’t orchestrate life completely, I can sometimes pick up the baton and direct the music of my days. If I constantly throw myself into a frenzied forte, I exhaust myself. I need times of pianissimo - quiet.     
     Just as notes are organized into measures, I can arrange my activities so I’m not overwhelmed - schedule.     
     I can pay attention to the tempo and declare when I need a rest note - a break.     
     And I can give myself grace notes, those unnecessary flourishes that add richness - chocolate?       
     So how am I “conducting” my days and my energy? Am I creating a symphony with this God-given treasure of time?     
     Every life is worth it.