In the Lesser Role

One of my young friends auditioned for a play--her first time auditioning in this particular theater group.  She had a wonderful audition prepared, and she did such a fantastic job at this audition that she felt that she was a shoe-in for a particular role.  The director and producer, having seen all the other wonderful auditions for the show decided that this young girl needed a chance to mature in her acting and learn the ropes of the theater before being given a large part, so they cast her in the show and placed her in the company (meaning that she would be part of the cast, but relegated to the role of townsperson X).  Her mother (who had never been in theater before either) asked for my advice as she said to me, "She really wanted a large part, so I don't think she's going to do the show.  What do you think?" 

I think that my young friend is in good company.  Don't we all feel that way at times?  We are so ready for the next big thing or the next stage of life (no pun intended) that we do not take time to enjoy where we are at. 

Oh, but there is such value to being in a small role.  And I explained this to the parent (and to all parents who come to me with this particular problem)--the great lessons that her daughter would learn as a company member.  She would learn what it means to work together as a team.  She could take this as an opportunity to study those who earned a larger role and to really improve on her craft.  She could learn that every single part in theater is valuable and necessary to producing a show.  She might discover that she has a knack for something that she didn't expect such as costuming or stage lighting or even a different style of acting.  She could learn to be a servant. 

Whenever we are in a lesser role on the stage and in life, the possibilities are endless.  Because we give Him the opportunity to become greater.