From the desk of District Superintendent Kevin V.Cox

LISTEN TO THE DRUM CORPS

March is probably the best named month. The word march, as a verb, is defined as (1) to walk with regular and measured tread, as soldiers on parade; advance in step in an organized body. (2) to walk in a stately, deliberate manner. (3) to go forward; advance; proceed.

As I checked the definition of each month of our calendar, March had more definitions than any other. Many people will tell you March is their favorite time of the year. It is the time when gardens are being planted, trees are beginning to show their new leaves, the grass is beginning to grow again, the warming temperatures offer hope of leaving a cold winter behind, and the world is turning green again. Students look forward to “spring break” in March. So much about March is optimistic.

But march as defined above is to walk with regular and measured tread, such as soldiers on parade. That brought back some memories to me. I remember the very long Christmas parade in which our high school band marched each year. That parade began as the sun began to set, and it was the least desired parade that we ever marched in, primarily because of how cold it was and how long it lasted. Most years, it took us nearly four hours to complete the route. The course was long because the local business owners, who were scattered over a several mile area, wanted the parade to pass their places of business.

Those riding on floats usually did not mind the length of the parade, nor did the homecoming queen who rode in a convertible while waving to the crowds thronging the sidewalks. In fact, the fellows riding the horses never complained too much about the length of that particular parade either. However, our drum corps did not have such an easy job; we never stopped playing the entire route. We marched to the various cadences that had been established. Interestingly though, each time the cadence changed, it seemed to put that little extra “step” back into our marching.  By the end of the parade route, the tempo may have switched several times, and even repeated previous beats, but each change gave the marchers new life.

Likewise, there is a sequence of cadences being set by our spiritual walk with God. Notice, the scriptures teach us to “walk in the spirit.” The race is not to the swiftest, nor to the one who shines for a day, but he that endures to the end shall be saved. Perhaps this March, as the natural earth begins to again renew itself, you will hear the sound of the heavenly drum corps as the cadence changes. The message has not changed, the route has not changed, the conditions have not changed, but allow your spirit to listen to the different tempo. You will feel renewed to keep on the “march.” You should feel that extra bounce come back into your steps.

You leaders are inundated with new programs about growing your church. It seems like there is a leadership training conference brochure in the mail weekly, which can feel overwhelming.  Governmental regulations seem to encroach on your religious freedoms. It could be very easy to feel like you ought to just drop out of the parade. However, I hear the cadence changing, and I know that if we can just keep marching, we will reach our goal. It really does not matter what the parade watchers are saying on the sidelines. It really does not matter who is marching ahead of us, or behind us, or next to us. What does matter is that we keep our ears attuned to the sound of the drum corps. My heartbeat and my footsteps must follow those of Christ’s.

So, even though you may be weary in the “march” of life, don’t give up. Your destination is coming closer with each step. Do not veer to the right or to the left, just keep your head up, and keep marching straight ahead to the sounds of the heavenly drum corps. Trust me, as the song Murrell Ewing sang says, “You’re gonna make it!”

Blessings on you all,

Kevin Cox

District Superintendent