People love magic. They adore the cute rabbits hiding inside hats and the card tricks your nephew learned online. The kind of cute tricks that create instant awe and amusement. They love the feeling they get when they cant quite understand what happens behind the smoke screen, but they know it's amazing regardless.
There's a different kind of magic that has a different kind of effect. And it's something I've come in close contact with on multiple occasions in just this last few weeks. It's a kind of magic that takes work, and dedication. Where you create and build something with others. This magic doesn't work by itself, which is perhaps the most important part.
It's the kind of magic you feel when you're dancing with your best friends under the moonlight to an incredible band that you love. It's the kind of magic you feel when you can't sit still in your seat because the musical you're watching is just so stinking good. It's the kind of magic you feel when the person you love gives you the extra kiss goodnight. And it's the kind of magic you feel when your old peers, who then became your students, are graduating and creating something incredible, while leaving behind a legacy.
All of these things come from such a special place because they're all created from a special mix of love, dedication, art and spark. You can't have any of these magic moments without all of them. Without an intense passion for the show you're putting on, or the relationship you're building. Without a dedication to be the best teacher you can be, or creating the best work you possibly can. You also can't create the magic without the spark. The something that makes it special. The key ingredient. And it's very strange that in my life, I know so many sparks.
I have incredible magicians in my life. People who can take a regular moment and make it special. I've been to a ton of concerts in my life, of all kinds. Monday night's was special. Monday meant some of the most talented musicians I've ever seen. It was the kind of music you can feel. You can feel the heartbreak in the songs. You can feel the passion. You can feel the joy. It's not something you have to pay attention to, or listen closely for. They were telling us the story of their lives and they were SO talented that I laughed danced and cried along with them. They had that spark.
I've watched many classes graduate, but really none like this one. Michael, Scott, Tessa, Natalee, Michelle, you guys are a special level of incredible. You are the kind of people who can change things. The world, even. You guys have each become an incredible artist in your own way. You've become leaders, and you've barely started. You've learned and absorbed and and created. I admire you each so much. Please don't ever forget the art that you are so good at creating. The dedication that you have, and the talent that God's given you. Because I promise you, it is there for a reason. You each have the spark.
I've seen lots of musicals before, and even been in a few myself. But I've never experienced one like tonight. You guys set the stage on fire. You had me dancing in my seat. You had me singing along and feeling like I too could conquer the world (and change television forever.) Jonathan, you in particular were absolutely spectacular. You are sincerely one of the most talented performers I've ever had the privilege of knowing. I mean it. You command attention, you work hard and you're grounded. You were the perfect Link Larkin, and I would pay money for your version of It Takes Two. In.Credible. You have the spark. And everyone else on that stage tonight was of an UNBELIEVABLE standard. Ari, Mandy, Tyler, Jessica, Jonte, Easton. All of you. You ALL have the spark.
And you know too, I've kissed a lot of boys. Maybe more than I should have. But there's something special about the one I'm with. Rob, you too have the spark. You're an artist. You see this world in pictures and in motion. You see it in design and in film. You can create virtually anything with whatever parameters and time limit you're given, and you effectively and amazingly are spreading Christ through all of this. You know when blue lights looks better than red lights and you know how to create a mood and a scene on stage with nothing but light. You know how to present a package that can be well read and absorbed. You are passionate and dedicated and you truly love what you do. You bypass any obstacle and remain focused and grounded. And you're pretty cute too. You have the spark.
And being in the audience tonight made me remember when people used to tell me that I too, had that in me. And it's kinda crazy to believe now that I'm using that same spark that used to land me dance solos to pursue an International Management major. It's been pretty crazy to watch the artist in me collide with the business geek in me. They usually get along pretty well, and it makes all my econ homework a lot prettier than the other students. I know that one day my love for dance and for the stage and that spark that was struck within me will be what lands me THAT job, or THAT trip, or THAT promotion, because it's already landed me THAT internship. And that's what's so special about people with the spark. With the love in them. People who can truly create magic. Because whether it's behind the camera, working the soundboard, creating videos, performing live on stage, or landing the managers position, an artist will remain an artist. We see the world differently. As a stage, or a canvas, or a set.
All this to say, I'm proud and in awe of so many people around me. I am re-promising to myself to not lose the spark that taught me so many things. I am promising to instead use the art and the magic inside of me to pursue what my future looks like now, and to support and love all of the rest of these insanely incredible people too.
I also challenge you to create magic. To build up the relationships around you to a whole different level. To dance harder in your next class. To go for the audition you think you have no shot at. To kiss your boyfriend one more time. To do excellent in your next job interview. To see the world differently. Because if we all took a step back, and lived excellently while actively trying to create and build up these magic moments that we've all seen glimpses of, we will change the world.
Accept the challenge and create magic.
