Is Everything Awesome?

 

In 2013, the LEGO MOVIE was released and did quite well. I don’t know anything about their financial gain or the number of people who bought tickets. But it did quite well at our house, judging by how many times we have watched it with grandkids.

One memorable feature of the film was the song “Everything is Awesome.” Catchy tune and uplifting lyrics. At the end of the movie, the message is that EVERYTHING isn’t awesome without some effort, but you can make it good.

Pastor Ellen may not have watched the movie because in her vision of people, events, food, clothes, cars – everything is still awesome. And she encourages others to believe it, as well.

You want to help with worship? Come on up. You are awesome.

You want to make balloon animals?  Here are the supplies and quick instructions. That giraffe was awesome.

You have a doctor’s appointment, and she does the Hearts and Hands food pickup for you. It is awesome that you gave her a chance to serve.

Kids perform a song they learned in Arts and Music Camp. They were awesome, even though not everyone knew the words.

Jennette played one song in a very long band concert. It was worth the trip for Pastor Ellen from Baytown to Galena Park because it was awesome.

But then there was the day of the birthday party when she turned to me with that smile and said, “The choir is doing a flash mob, and you would be awesome performing with us.” I admit, I glowed a bit. Awesome is a high that is hard to refuse. I have sung in choirs. I led a small church choir for a while. Took piano lessons in my 30’s (a very long time ago). So maybe …

I assumed the song to be performed would be something silly and familiar.  For just a moment, I considered it. Then a voice of reason reminded me that flash mobs are pre-rehearsed. They are designed to LOOK spontaneous but are actually pre-rehearsed performances.

I smiled and hugged her as she moved to the stage area where the choir members gathered. And then they began to sing Bohemian Rhapsody  from Queen’s 1975 album. You know it – It is a beautiful song consisting of sections that are ballads, other sections that are operatic, some reflective pieces, and also some hard rock moments. Six minutes of intense singing. The choir had obviously practiced - a lot.

No, Pastor Ellen. I would NOT have been an awesome addition to this presentation. I didn’t know all the words. I didn’t know the music. And I know my limits. Not everything is awesome.

The next day Jennette and I were swinging in the back yard when I shared the flash mob story. She found the song on her phone and played it. And we began to sing along.  We were swinging and singing and laughing – and I had to admit that in that moment everything was awesome.  

Maybe Pastor Ellen is right after all.