You'll Shoot Your Eye Out, Kid + Jesus. Just Jesus.

This one is LONG overdue... but somehow, I find myself a drama/theater momma.  Not what I'd ever thought I'd be doing as a momma, but my big boy has definitely caught the acting bug.  He's participated in 5 shows at our local theater and loves every second.  It's a lot of work (I mean kick your bootie, get so worn down you get walking pneumonia, losing hours of sleep kind of work) but Jacob has really enjoyed it.  And so have I!!! 

Most recently, Jacob was cast as Randy in the SCCT's production of "A Christmas Story." - yes, the traditional Christmas movie that plays non-stop on TBS every Christmas Eve and Christmas day.  Randy is the little brother of Ralphie - the main character.  You know, the "you'll shoot your eye out" kid.  This was a major role for my boy.  He was practically on stage the entire production.  He had 5 costume changes and probably 30 lines or more to memorize.  The show was fabulous.  Not just because Jacob was in it, but it was really really good.  I'm so proud of Jacob - praying that God uses his confidence and stage presence for HIS glory all the days of his life. 

Here's Randy...the picky eater of the show.  Couldn't have been cast better.  Jacob is by far the pickiest eater on the planet!

Here he is with his on stage brother (Ralphie) played by Jack Swindler. 

 Jacob got to share the stage with his Papaw (Santa) - so that was extra special too.  Definitely one of my favorite parts of the play.  Randy pretended to pee on Santa's leg.  I just wish we could have figured out a way for Jacob to really get warm water on Papaw during the show.  It would have been priceless. :-)

Here's some lessons from a theater momma:
1.  If you show up, you WILL be a stage momma. 
2.  Stage mommas have to understand the lingo - stage left, stage right, cues, props, breaking legs and all that jazz
3.  Stage mommas need to wear black - otherwise you stick out like a sore thumb.  Don't really get this one - it's not like stage mommas are on stage THAT much, but when you are, you'll want to be wearing black.  Trust me. 
4.  Stage mommas will have every line memorized but have no idea what the whole thing looks or feels like until that magical moment when you are actually sitting in the audience. 
5.  Stage mommas should have a reserved parking spot -they don't, but should right outside the doors since for two months, you practically take up residence at the theater.  In fact, I felt like I should have been getting mail there. 
6.  Stage mommas will worry about the lack of sleep and homework and all other facets of normal every day life for the duration of tech week and the two performance weeks. 
7.  Stage mommas have a lot to be proud of - putting on a production takes a lot of practice. 

Y'all - Jacob is only 8... he rocked this show.  For real!  He knew exactly where to go and where to stand and where to enter and who to listen to for his cues.  He had a blast.  Each and every night - even the nights he was literally coughing his head off because he ended up getting walking pneumonia. (stage mommas also have bottles of water and cough drops ready and opened when needed!)

Reflecting on this play process has me thinking about a relationship with Jesus. It takes practice - I can't expect to be prepared to handle spiritual warfare if I'm not prepared.  I want to be so in tune with God's will and God's word, that I know all my cues and all my lines.  We, as a family, poured so much into the production of "A Christmas Story" - and it paid off.  Lots of laughs and praise involved.  Y'all - how much more important is our purpose in life?  To bring glory and honor to the one true King and to tell others about Him.  Reflecting on this play process has reminded me that being an effective Christian isn't easy.  It takes work and practice and prayer and studying God's word... and it's so exciting.  Every day, God's giving me opportunities to shine for him - on stage or behind stage as the stage momma, the opportunities are there.  Will I accept?