Chicken Trolls

I grew up in the radio era. No streaming music. You’d listen to what came on the radio, or–if you were very fortunate–you might have the album or, later on, cassette tape, that you could listen to your favorite songs playing on your record or cassette player. The year I got a tape player revolutionized my music listening. I would put it next to my clock radio and wait for the first couple of notes to play–was this the one? With the recorder set to record and my finger ready to depress the pause button, I’d listen to the weekend countdown with hope in my heart.

Christmas music was different. We had a couple of Simon and the Chipmunk albums, a Vince Guaraldi 45, and, I think, an Elvis one. Other than that, we depended on the radio playing Christmas music. I think at one point it was 24 hours of holiday songs on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day. Later on, I remember one radio station starting at noon on Thanksgiving Day and going through Christmas. A completely different experience from the 24/7 channels and streaming experience my children are growing up with.

The variety wasn’t as broad as it is now either. All this is to say that I heard a lot of sleigh bells ringing, hippopotamus wishing, and…..Little Drummer Boy.

May I be honest with you?

I was not a fan. When “Little Drummer Boy” played, and that was more often than I cared for, there were no options of “Alexa, next song” or cutting it from a playlist. When Little Drummer Boy was played, it played. I just didn’t care for it at all.

That is, until two things happened.

A couple of years ago, my middle child, our Princess, who has grown up way too fast, becoming a lovely person with her own thoughts and opinions and favorite artists, introduced me to “For King and Country.” I was so thankful she did, because their music speaks to me in a way that no music has in a long time. It is just breathtaking and powerful and intentional…..and so much more. I listened and listened and then I heard it.

Yep. Little Drummer Boy.

Only this was a version that they made their very own. It was powerful and strong and oh my goodness, how they poured so much into that song–and I was hooked. I no longer told Alexa–“hey friend, I need you to realize this song and me–we don’t get along.” I listened and danced around the kitchen and hit any surface that didn’t move, drumming along myself as best as I could. The song was redeemed. Only it wasn’t done telling its story and making me dig deeper.

Last month, our dancers at the studio had the privilege of sharing what they’d been learning in a showcase of sorts. An amazing local church offered to share their Family Life Center with us, as it has a stage for performing and room for plenty of seating. We learned that they have a Blessing Box Ministry. It was decided that, instead of charging tickets for admission, there would be a collection of needed items for the Blessing Box taken at the door. Throughout the five performances over three days, a huge pile of nonperishable and hygiene items were collected. The families and friends attending were generous and kind. It was amazing and humbling and yes, I cried.

At the beginning of this month, our faith based dance troupe and choral company performed their program “Born Is the King,” that they’ve been working on all semester and again, needed items were collected. So many folks showing up and showing out with their hands and hearts open. Beautiful. Priceless.

I was listening to Christmas music (streaming, yay) and For King and Country’s version of Little Drummer Boy came on. It was the Live Performance version, which I had seen in a concert video. As I sang along, loading dishes into the dishwasher, I was overcome with so many feelings. Gratitude for dirty dishes, joy at having such beautiful music at my fingertips, and for living in a world where music like this is being made. New life being breathed into classic music.

And I was overcome by the message.

“I am a poor boy”

“I have no gift to give”

“Shall I play for you?”

“Mary nodded”

“Then he smiled at me”

I find myself unable to come up with the right words to fully express the joy that filled my heart, watching these dancers from age 1 to adults in the showcase, using their gifts to give a bigger gift–helping to meet basic needs by doing what they have been blessed by God to do. Giving to OTHERS. No lights being put under a bushel. Full on 100 watt bright light dancing going on…..and boxes being filled.

For so many of these children, they just love to dance. They don’t consider it as a gift that they have. Like the Little Drummer Boy, if asked, it is possible they might also say, “I have no gift to give…..”

After having the privilege of witnessing what happened when folks were asked to come, watch, and support the dancers and this ministry, I want to assure each and every one of them, “Oh but you do…..you absolutely do.”

And guess what, y’all.

So do you.

Each and every one of you. Do not doubt that you have a gift that far surpasses any riches your bank account, mattress, or wallet may hold. You absolutely do.

So, friends, when presented with an opportunity to make a difference, when asked to take a moment and give thanks, when coming together for a cause that is crying to be heard, just KNOW that you were created to be a light, and you have a gift–though not always tangible–that can make a difference. And that will bring a smile.

Merry Christmas! May your lights shine brightly.** Love to all.

**If in this season, at this time, your light feels overshadowed or dim, it’s okay. Just don’t let anyone hide it or make you think you don’t possess the power to light this world up. Because you do. But it’s okay if it’s not right now in this moment. Your “stable” moment will come. Until then, rest, and give yourself lots of grace. Love to all.