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 fondly called General Jackson. Jo Ann Jackson warns that singing is boring if we punch out every word at the same volume. She 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 my life completely, I can sometimes pick up the baton and direct the music of my days. If I 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.