Delegate!

In the summer of 1997, as I was preparing to depart on my mission, I was given the opportunity both to give a talk and to prepare a musical number for a sacrament meeting in my ward. I recall feeling a sense of responsibility to prepare a truly "special" musical number and worked hard to do so.

For several weeks, a close friend and I collaborated on an arrangement of a favorite hymn, "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing." It turned out beautifully and, I believe, was spiritually uplifting both for those who participated and for those who listened.

Reflecting on this experience and the responsibilities of our Ward Music Chairmen, I have realized the importance and power of delegation! At the time, I did not hold a calling in music, but like many musicians, felt a passion for making music a meaningful part of our worship. There are people like this in your ward as well.  Once you find them, invite them to organize a musical number with others in the ward. Delegating in this way alleviates the challenge of coordinating every musical number.  Like me, those whom you invite to help will feel a sense of responsibility to provide a spiritually uplifting musical number and will work hard at it.