The one about Glee

*Note: I began drafting this blog long before the sad death of Cory Monteith. This post is not meant to capitalize on tragedy, however thematically timely.*

"Hey Jonathan, I just sent you an audition and wanted to make sure you got it. It's for Glee. The audition's this Sunday, is that okay?"

My mouth dropped open.

My manager had called to tell me about my fifth audition that week. Friggin unheard of, for me. Not only that, but it was for a recurring singing role

on Glee.

Holy cow. Glee.

Let me explain my excitement: When the pilot episode of Glee aired in May 2009, the musical theatre kids of America went wild, celebrating with Harry Potter marathons and choreographing dances. Aeschylus saw us from heaven and granted a TV show... perfect for us. Finally. I watched that pilot probably a dozen times in a row.

I immediately proceeded to retreat to my bedroom and make my audition tape.

See, FOX was testing the show out and the next episodes weren't airing until fall. So, I recorded myself singing "Family" from Dreamgirls--a little cheesy and yet a little perfect--and burned it to a DVD. I didn't know who specifically was casting the show, but I did know the office. I basically addressed it "to whomever holds the key to my future" and snail-mailed that baby in.

Of course, it was an unsolicited mailing from a random kid with no agent. And because the show was a huge hit, it became impossible to get an audition with that casting office. I never heard back.

Later, jerks, they did this myspace competition for a chance to be on the show. Everyone uploaded a video. (In fact, my video is still probably floating around out there somewhere and maybe I should delete it.) Well, that competition was quietly cancelled and replaced by a full-blown reality competition show on Oxygen.

But nothing could get me on the show. I didn't have any representation powerful enough to get me in the room. 

And then (as I've blogged before) I had a certain friend land a recurring role during season 2.

It was torture.

As the seasons progressed, the show went downhill. The stories grew tiresome, the songs grew radio-driven, and the magic fizzled. I stopped watching.

Now, years later, I had an audition for a singing role on the show.

At my dining table, God spoke to me:

"See?

Do you see my faithful goodness? Do you see the ability of my hand to put you in any audition room I see fit?

Do you see where you used to be and where I've brought you now?

Do you see that if I had wanted you on the show in its first season, I could have done so?

Do you see that I will use you in the way that best brings glory to me?"

It was so powerful. I used to see (aka idolize) the show as a door of opportunity and dreams that God was withholding from me. And now I was in a place where God was providing me with auditions and when this one came up, it wasn't a bigger deal than any other audition.

Maybe I wasn't ready a few years ago for the life that comes along with being on a hit TV show. The sudden death of Cory reminds me that I don't know a thing about the burdens that more successful people carry.

However, I think the timing on this audition is more about God saying, "You're not Glee because, right now, it is most strategic for My kingdom for you not to be on Glee."

And doesn't that apply to every area of our lives? Relationships? Finances? 

If we live our lives in obedience to God, to the best of our abilities, then we have to trust that the areas frustrating us are matters of strategic timing for the Kingdom of God.

A mere mortal

From the City of Angels

Livin his dream