Once upon a time a band of minstrels traveled through a small town on a snowy winter night. The minstrels loved their work. They loved to sing and dance and perform a bit of magic and acrobatics. They loved to fill their audiences with laughter and enthusiasm.
But as they were preparing for the evening show, they were feeling discouraged and uncertain. Olaf reported that only a handful of tickets had been sold. Beatrice opened the window shutters and noted that snow was falling thickly and would, undoubtedly, keep people away. Geoffrey questioned whether they should put up a sign, cancelling the show.
Matilda, however, argued that those who had already purchased tickets were looking forward to the kind of entertainment the minstrels provided. The others listened respectfully to Matilda’s argument and agreed to go on with the show.
Though most of the minstrels continued to feel discouraged and uncertain, they did their best to entertain the sparse audience. Their songs filled the hall with beautiful harmony. The footwork and choreography of their dances was delightful. Their magic acts astonished the audience. And their acrobatic feats thrilled all in attendance.
When the performance was complete, they returned to their room. After congratulating one another on each person’s fine work, they sat down for the hard conversation. Could they dare to try to continue the work they loved? Or did they need to call it quits and find some other kind of work?
As they struggled with these questions, they were interrupted by a knock on the door. Answering the knock, Beatrice was handed a note and a package. Opening the note, she read to her fellow minstrels, “Thank you for the show you put on tonight. I laughed deeply, and smiled until my cheeks ached. My soul was richly refreshed by your entertainment. Though I had tried diligently to keep my identity secret, I fear that someone alerted you to the fact that your king was in the audience. Nevertheless, thank you for the show you put on for us. I hope the gold coins I have gifted to you will enable you to provide entertainment to audiences for many years to come.”
With wide eyes and open mouths, the minstrels looked to one another in shock and delight!
Though we, too, may feel discouraged and uncertain about what we are doing with our lives, God is watching us. Whatever we do, when we do it with integrity and love, God is delighted, and God says to us, “Well done, my good and faithful servants.”