My wife and I just got back from the matinee performance of The Prince of Egypt at The King’s Academy. Our daughter is in the play, her very first time singing and performing on stage. To say we’re proud would be an understatement.

If it were me up there, I’d be a nervous wreck. But she’s been handling it so well, as she is trusting the Lord to help her get through it. Opening night had its butterflies, but she did great, recited her lines flawlessly and nailed her solo. Today’s matinee performance for her was even better than opening night.

But last night was different.

She still sang and smiled, but it looked like she was thinking her song more than singing it.

Her song was still good, but it lacked the sparkle it usually has.

Then we found out that right before the performance she caught wind that the theatre award judges were there in the audience.

When I asked her what was she thinking right before she sang her solo, she mentioned she was hoping that she would not ‘mess up.’

Suddenly, her focus shifted from enjoying the moment to hoping she did not make a mistake.

And here’s the lesson: when your mind is divided, your strength is diminished. Division always weakens. Unity of focus brings strength.

That’s not just true on stage. It’s true in life. And it’s true in health.

When we’re caught between fear of what others think, anxiety about the future, and trying to perform to someone else’s standard, it weakens us. Our body feels it. Our mind feels it. But when we focus on what matters doing what we’re called to do, one step at a time that unity of mind and heart brings strength.

So it was a good reminder to stop living for the judges. When we live with focus, when we live with purpose, strength can be found.

We’re on our way to the 7pm show and I’m reminding myself: one thing at a time.

Dr. Derek ‘Stage Fright’ Taylor