Fly Me to the Moon...Check.

Photo by Mark Peacock

"I want what everyone wants...to want nothing."
"Don't condemn your audience before you've given them a chance to be kind."
"No one changes people. One simply makes changes that people learn to accept."

Words of wisdom from a very curious old lady.

I just wrapped a production of John Patrick's The Curious Savage. Words cannot describe what I'm feeling at the moment. But I'll try.

Relief
Sadness
Gladness
Joy
Homesickness
Victory
Humbleness
Clarity
Hopefulness

I'm just a mess of contradictions at the moment. But that's okay. It's allowed. I'll never forget this experience. I've done this show before. But I was only 16 at the time. I had no real grasp on the role, the play, or really on life. Although at 21, I'm not much closer to that grasp on life, I tried to make up for it otherwise. Two outta three ain't bad, they say. This play was more than a play to me. It was a mark on my personal life. Yes, people came and saw it. Yes, people said they thoroughly enjoyed it. But sitting here, on the first Monday night I've had free in over a month, I just keep thinking...

It's all for God's glory. Not my own. Not even my brilliant cast mates. Not even my amazing director. No. Just Him.

I'd be lying if I said the applause didn't feel good. Or that the compliments and praise don't elate me and make my actress head swell. They do. But I remain where I started. With two feet planted firmly on the ground. And God forgives my head being in the clouds every now and then. (Praise God for that, lol).

I speak as if I just cured cancer or flew to the moon. I didn't. No way. I was simply in a little production. But in my tiny little universe, I might as well have flown to the moon. But no one can pull off a feat like that alone. And so I credit all who gave me the courage, support, and means to fly all the way to the moon and back again safely. These are people that I know will continue to send me back there again and again if I'm willing. I thank God every day for these people. For without them, what adventure could I ever possibly explore?

I want to be Houston. I want to send others to the moon; much like curious Mrs. Savage, wanting to help others realize their foolish dreams. They're the most important ones, after all. I want every person I know to feel as elated as I felt standing on that stage last weekend. I want everyone I know to have that feeling of belonging...like you're right where God wants you to be...on your moon. Surround yourself with people that will get you there. Because there's nothing like it.

And once you get there, smile at Him. Because you're closer to Him at that moment than you've ever been before. Even if you're acting like a curious old lady. He can appreciate the entertainment, the foolishness. Because that's where He wants you.

So until the next trip...