Tonight I was lucky enough to be the emcee for a variety show put on by the students in our high school orchestra. Varied levels of skill and talent were on display in instrumental music, singing , and dancing. What struck me was not just the talent and courage on display (one young lady froze up mid-song and left the stage in tears, but came back 3 acts later and did her whole song) but the level of support and courtesy the kids showed each other. No heckling the lesser talents, no jeering at the mistakes and recoveries, just honest appreciation and applause for what it takes to get up there on the stage and lay it on the line.
It was humbling; and gives one a glimmer of hope for our future. They even laughed at some of my jokes!