Hindsight

There are so many things I want to say. I just don't know how.

So, tonight we did our last show together. It's a strange feeling...having done this before, I recognize it, but cannot really place it. It's bittersweet. I'm relieved that I'll have some time to relax, but sad that our season has ended.

I am usually reflective after chapters of my life are done.

It occurs to me that we often, as a group, talked about things that frustrated us on tour. Sometimes, being with the same 15 people all summer breeds negativity. In reflecting on this, I wonder, did we lose our focus?

Despite performing a show based on scripture, it still "gets old" after a while. Despite our finest efforts to keep the show alive within our group, it's hard to keep the same energy all the time every night, every day...day in...day out.

Now, I can safely say that I have officially performed "Godspell" at least 86 times. Wow...

I know that this is rambling, but it's going somewhere, promise.

Anyway, all of this is to say that we've had our hard moments on this tour. It's inevitable...expected. But despite all of these moments...I know that our tour was a success. If anyone was ever touched by the message, laughed at a joke, or cringed at Matthias being crucified...we were used for something good. I hope that we each learned something important about ourselves and one-another.

This show is more than a silly play off the Gospel of Matthew. We've been saying that all summer...but do we really get it?

I hope that we always remember that Godspell is a place where community is formed...not of obligation, but desire...of excitement.

Godspell is a place where the line between audience and actor is blurred a little.

Godspell is a place where you choose to love, even though it is easier to hate.

Godspell is a place where you serve because a Great God served you first.

Godspell is a place where you smile genuinely and laugh often.

Godspell is a place where you can learn willingly.

And most of all, Godspell is a place where even the worst of sinners can find hope and forgiveness.

To Godspell 2008, thank you for the memories. I will cherish our bond. You mean a whole lot to me. I know that in 24 hours, I'll be going through withdrawal from not seeing you. You may not have known it, but each and every one of you gave me energy and life to make it through the last few months. Know that each of you is very special, talented, and capable of making BIG changes wherever you go.

I love you so very much.

And I love, love, love your work.

Godspeed,
Patrick