From Riki Schoppert, Director of Worship Arts …
I am one of three kids and all of us are artists. My sister is a professional photographer and also works in other visual mediums like painting and sculpture. My brother is a professional actor and Ringling-trained clown, who also builds puppets and props both for himself and local theater companies. I’m a musician.
When we were young, I remember feeling very insecure that my gift wasn’t something people could see. I would go into my father’s office and see portraits and pictures on his walls that my siblings had done, but nothing from me. (Because let me tell you, no one would want to hang anything I drew!) Later, when I became more confident with my musical talent, I tried to write music. But for the most part, it just wasn’t very good. It’s hard when you are surrounded by super creative people and you know that your talent just doesn’t measure up the same way. I’m just good enough to know that I don’t have what it takes to do what I’d like: create something completely new.
I found that I’m not particularly creative in the traditional sense. What I have learned though, is that I can make someone else’s song come alive. When I sing, I feel the Spirit moving in me and I can bring other people with me on that journey. I can hear a song, and in my head I’ll hear it arranged a different way, something that suits our Praise Choir better. I can help people become better singers. I can be a valuable member of a team to create meaningful worship services and pageants.
God’s plan for me wasn’t what I thought it might be, but I am incredibly grateful for the gifts that I have been given and not so worried about the ones that I wasn’t. I find joy in what is real, and if maybe sometimes I wish for something different, there’s nothing wrong with dreaming, is there? Because God isn’t finished with me yet!