Encore!

This past Wednesday, Dave and I had the privilege of attending the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra's opening concert. The guest artist was none other than the amazingly talented pianist, Marc-Andre Hamelin.
Again, I will say A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!
From the very first note, I was mesmerized. I have been living in that state for a few days considering the amount of thought, practise and complete devotion he must spend on knowing his instrument.
When he played, people leaned forward. No one had any desire to turn a page of their programs. People who brought their children switched spots to make sure they had the best sight path available to ensure visibility of the hands that made that delightful music. If you dared close your eyes you would have heard sounds and sonorities that were fresh and mind boggling. When he played you noticed conversations between his left and right hand and between oboe and piano and flute. His cadenzas (solos) were artful. They were daring. Not once did you feel nervous for him - they were simply wonders to behold and to enjoy.
It didn't matter that we clapped till our hands hurt, he didn't oblige us with an encore. I shouldn't feel begrudged as he did gift us with two entire masterworks!
As I was listening and as I left the building I was searching with Dave for adjectives that would best describe his playing. As hard as we tried, it couldn't be summed up in one word. There was just too much there. Words like seamless, effortless, smooth as...butter? Inspiring, beautiful, tasteful, thoughtful, comfortable, risky and thorough are a few words we came up with.
Suffice it to say, I am inspired. Inspired to play piano with more care and understanding, to teach piano with more care, to listen to more good music. I am also inspired by his example as a role model. He instills passion in other people by his playing. Not a word was spoken but we are all better for what we heard.
It begs the question; what kind of impact do I have on others? What adjectives would they use to describe me? What impact does the church leave on others? How are others inspired by what we do?
Well maybe the gift of no encore is the gift of wanting more. We know that no earthly "anything" will satisfy. One encore would never be enough. More of Jesus will allow the world to experience fulfilment. More of Jesus will leave all of us searching for adjectives that lead us into worship and a desire to follow with passion.