Making sense of an awkward situation

All my life, I have been very involved in theatre arts — acting, dancing and singing — in and out of school.
I attend a high school where, like all high schools, getting a part in the school performance is very competitive. This past December, my high school was holding auditions for the spring production of “Grease.” Since it is a very well-known and popular show, there were hundreds of students auditioning, which meant more competition for me. I desperately wanted a role, not an ensemble role, but a speaking role. In the weeks until audition, I devoted a lot of time and effort so that I would have the perfect audition. And that’s exactly what happened — I felt my audition was one of my very best.

A week later, the cast list went up. I got the exact part I did not want — an ensemble role. One of my best friends, Jessie, got the leading role, which was Sandy. Though I was devastated, I tried not to act that way towards Jess, and I congratulated her for her part of Sandy. But when I got home that day, I was so upset I couldn’t speak to anyone. I know it seems silly because it is just a play, but it was an extremely difficult day for me. I asked God why this happened to me, and why the director of Grease cast me in the ensemble. I thought over everything I did on audition day again and again, wondering if I spoke too fast in my reading audition or if there was anything I could have done differently. Nothing came to mind.

The next day I felt a little better, but could not let go of what had happened. I prayed to God to have peace and make sense of my situation. It wasn’t only until a few weeks later that one day in church it “clicked” for me. I realized that God has a plan for each one of us. Each of us is unique and special to God, and his plan for us is also very special. Maybe his plan for me wasn’t getting a role in Grease. Though I really wanted anything but ensemble role, I have learned that it is not our own will, but God’s will, that will give us ultimate happiness. I should try to be mindful of God’s plan for me at each moment. Remembering this — and not only for my theatre life but for all aspects of my life — my relationship with God has strengthened."

By Laureen Scianimanico

http://www.livingcitymagazine.com/