T-h-e-a-t-r-e

T-h-e-a-t-r-e

The very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

Matthew 10:30-31

Conversations with other people can sometimes be less than satisfying. Theatre Arts Magazine records one of the most confusing and frustrating conversations in all of theatrical history.

It seems that one of the magazine’s loyal subscribers dialed “information” to get the phone number for the well-known drama industry magazine. But the conversation did not go exactly as he had hoped. Instead, it proceeded as follows:

“Information. What city and state are you calling, please?” asked the operator.

“New York City, please,” answered the subscriber.

“Thank you, and what listing are you seeking?”

“Theatre Arts, please.”

After a few seconds, the operator drawled, “Sorry, but there is nobody listed by the name ‘Theodore Arts.’”

“It’s not a person; it’s a publication. I want Theatre Arts,” said the subscriber patiently.

A little aggravated, the operator repeated, “I told you, sir, we have no listing for Theodore Arts.”

Now a little more than impatient, and with his voice rising a few decibels, the subscriber said loudly, “Confound it, ma’am, the word is Theatre: T-H-E-A-T-R-E.”

The operator came back with crushing finality: “Sir, that’s not how you spell Theodore!”

Isn’t it great to know that God knows all about you? He knows how many hairs are on your head, and he never forgets your name. He even records it, spelled correctly, in the Lamb’s Book of Life for all eternity.

Thank you, Lord, for knowing me and loving me, in spite of the sins in my life. Please show me the role you want me to play in the eternal drama you have written for humanity. Help me to learn my lines well and to deliver them at just the right moment so that those who hear them will be touched with your love. Amen.