The Habit of Excellence

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit. - Aristotle

Today, VIP was excellent. They sang well but more than that - they carried themselves with professionalism and grace. They truly fulfilled their role as music ministers. They swallowed their tears, focused on their work, and delivered some beautiful music. But the beauty, in my eyes, came from the way they executed their task... in the million and one details that they handled, without anyone even realizing it -- just as it's supposed to be.  That's the habit of excellence coming out.

It's no secret that there are high standards for VIP and meeting those standards is a continual quest. Today, those standards were in full view, from the second the choir entered the church until they filed out. For example, at the end of the service, the family left, followed by members of the congregation. VIP sat in perfect silence as the minutes ticked by and the church slowly emptied. Have you ever seen teenagers sit still and silent for a stretch of time? No one fidgeted. No one whispered. They simply waited. That's excellence.

As happy as I was at the music, I was also proud of the way they conducted themselves. And I think Jodi would have been happy, too. She was a huge supporter of VIP and would bring Adam to concerts when he was young.  

I was especially touched that several members of the Class of 2010 journeyed home from college to sing with us. But why should I be surprised? Excellence is a habit, and those guys have been practicing it for many years. They love Adam and VIP, and I think they'd do anything they could to help. 

What a gift it was to serve with ALL the amazing young men and women who make up VIP.

VIP to sing at Memorial Service on Sunday, Aug. 29

Ordinarily, I'd be writing you a cheery, "VIP starts in a few weeks!" message and while I cannot WAIT to see the VIPs and welcome our new members, my message today has a different purpose... Adam Kratz, a 9th grade VIP, lost his mother, Jodi, on Tuesday. A memorial service for Jodi will be held on Sunday, Aug. 29 at Friendship UMC at 2pm, and VIP will sing.

Singing at a funeral is not an easy task and tomorrow will be particulary difficult. It will require courage, grace, compassion, and incredible focus. And I know that VIP will deliver. I am grateful for the fact that nobody rises to a challenge quite like they do. Time and time again, this choir has demonstrated the ability to minister in every type of situation - and I know that they'll do it again tomorrow, even as our hearts break for Adam.

Thank you, VIP, for all the ways you support one another and use music to comfort a world that hurts.

An Overdue Update

Hi VIPs!

Yes, I am alive and a-ok in Russia. I'm sorry for the lack o' updates!

When I last wrote to you, I was in Orel with the Team. We were having a grand time, getting to know the good folks at Millenium UMC (sister church to Trinity UMC in Prince Frederick) and then the smog hit... and a State of Emergency was declared both in Vorornezh (the area we were heading to) and in Moscow... the text messages flew... and the questions came... and decisions had to be made about what we would do.

It was a group leader's nightmare. Thank goodness for Rev. Charles Harrell and his solid leadership! In the end, Charles opted to go with Plan A and made no changes to the schedule. Our contacts in Voronezh assured us that the camp was safe and the air was clear, and under the circumstances - that seemed like the best option.

My heart went out to Charles as he analyzed data and processed the options and listened for God's direction. It was an incredible lesson and as painful as it probably was for Charles, I'm glad for the opportunity to watch a veteran mission leader wrestle with an incredibly tough situation.

We worshipped with Millenium UMC on Sunday and then headed to Voronezh. On Monday, we started our work projects -- spackling and painting! One team painted and wallpapered a house, while another spackled and painted a ceiling in the conference center. The paint was oil-based and phew - those fumes were something.

I got another lesson, this one in healthcare... Karen hadn't been feeling well since the Team arrived in Moscow and she finally agreed to go to the hospital. So, off she and Charles went with translator in tow. Karen is fine now and had a great experience at the hospital. Seriously! She was in and out, and apparently had a dreamy doctory and some helpful medicines. We should all be so fortunate... I have never had to take a VIP to the hospital and while I pray I never will, I'm glad to know how the process works.

More info to come...
H.