Spirit Day: Shine like the Son

It has been quite a while, so I'll keep it brief. I will try to get into a regular habit of updating this blog, as soon as school has finished rending the fraying remains of my sanity.

Last weekend over 1400 grade 7 students gathered at the Chandos Pattison Auditorium at Pacific academy in Surrey for one reason: a celebration of faith. Out of the past four years of serving on preparing one of the biggest events in the Vancouver Archdiocese I am continually surprised. Every year I have the blessed opportunity to serve I have always had the sneaking feeling that it would be the same from the year before: move this, move that, lead this skit, jump around, sing, get the lines said, and get out before someone throws you out! Not saying that I'm being dismissive about it, far from it. Every year I walk away feeling more in touch with my faith, more willing to serve; with a blooming sense of both gratitude and renewal. This year was no exception. 

Leading on the theme of "Shine like the Son," I had the privelege of serving on the stage team once again. Pretty much right away we got right into it: running for roles, planning skits, and much more. Our job was is to lead the actual day: skits, testimonies, games,  the ever so amusing intro filming at my house, and so on. The theme found its way distinctly into the plot of the day, and no, no highschool musical this time. Apparently the sun has ceased to shine, in the midst of a large contingent of over-excited beach-goers. Upon inquiry on where did the sun go, came the ever so convenient arrival of a trio of scientists. With me acting as the socially challenged know-it-all "greatest scientist in the world" we, along with my retainer-esque nerd voice, took a vow to find a solution. 

Within the search of the light, we came across a point where before the light is darkness. This was the 2nd year where we presented the "Everything" skit following the song of the same name by the band Lifehouse. The skit follows a girl, Sydney, as she comes to grow with Jesus. As her relationship grows, she suddenly becomes pulled away by Satan (thanks for the creepiness Oggy), where she falls down a path of vices: gossip, materialism, empty relationships, greed. In reading this post I urge you to please watch the video posted at the link at the end, it has truly left an impression on me and those who've experience the performance. In the end, just as all that weight threatens to consume her she throws it all away in surrender to Jesus, only she can't escape all those vices easily. As she desperately calls out to Jesus we group as a mad mob; tearing, grasping, thrusting and pushing our way to consume her. Without hesitation Jesus throws himself in the path, subjecting himself to the barrage behind Sydney, eventually casting us off. It is through this skit that I truly realized, through new eyes, on just how He sacrificed himself for our salvation. 

Mixed within the scenes were the ever so frequent moments of hilarity backstage. Such moments included Jeremy, Jaime and I singing the Numa-Numa song in the changeroom when Matt Maher himself comes out of the bathroom stall with an awkward gaze of surprise. Me sneaking around doing my creeper face on Erin, Sarah, and Clarissa...Sorry, or am I? Random Jedi duels with James. Random dancing and singing to old pop classics in the greenroom, infront of matt, clay, analyn, and even the Archbishop! Having our dance off in front of Matt during his soundcheck! Lets also not forget the unforgettable Funky Chicken game. "Let me see your Daina Meakes!"....Stop it! Do it again! 

In Culmination it is in review that I find that I am truly thankful and blessed for serving once again. My faith always emerges renewed, and as i said before...a desire and a drive to serve further. This experience was unique in everywhere. Everything came out so well, everyone worked so hard and it paid off. The stage team served not just as a group to fulfill a roll, but personally I found a group of great friends, ones in which  hope to cherish in the future...love all you guys! Also, sorry for the lateness!