I sympathize a bit, as I've had something like this happen on a small scale. Don't get me wrong, I love my choir, and our choir director is a wonderful man and a good friend. But slowly, over three years, I've had to learn that talent really does have to take precedence over things like attendance and attitude. We're just blessed in that we don't really have any bad attitudes.

Our choir is tiny, usually about a dozen people. My husband and I are scrupulous about attending practice, only missing when absolutely unavoidable. Last June we arranged our vacation so as not to miss a Sunday morning, changing to an afternoon train. Imagine our disappointment when only three members showed up that morning and Jeff had to cancel the anthem.

Over and over again, I've watched solos be awarded to the best voices, whether or not they show up on time or are available for the less glamorous regular Sunday morning anthems (as opposed to Christmas and Easter). The truth is, though, I'm not ready for a solo, and I know it. I may never be. My role in the choir is to show up on time, practice, set a good example, pay attention, and crack a few jokes when things get tense. My voice is passable, and my ear is excellent. I'm good at plucking difficult notes out of the air, and I can count out rhythms. I sound pretty decent wedged in between my friends, but by myself I'm just okay.

Jeff would give me a solo if I asked for one, I think, because he does appreciate my faithfulness. But what I really enjoy is being part of that seemless blend of voices, singing as one organism. Let the flashy people have the solos, and strive to enjoy the rewards of being faithful.