A SIGNATURE SPACE

Yesterday I performed one of the most onerous things with which I am involved on a recurrent basis. Dental hygiene, or simply put, getting my teeth cleaned. To be sure Lisa performs the procedure well and without any undue pain. It’s just the never-ending scraping and flossing and polishing that wears me out. Granted, when it’s all said and done, no more than an hour has elapsed. But that hour is just a hair less than an eternity.

I knew going into this particular appointment that I had one issue which needed the immediate attention of Dr. W. Recently, a portion of one of my teeth broke off. Thus, after the hygienist had finished the procedure, my favorite dentist stepped into the room, and greeted me with a “Hello, Dr. McDonald!” (To which I responded in kind).

As the good lady checked my broken molar, she also commented on a crooked tooth about five teeth from the lower front, which because it is indented at first glance looks like a space.

“I will always remember you from that crooked tooth. It’s your ‘signature space.’”

Dr. W. went on to tell me about one of her patients who has a slight gap between her two front upper teeth.

“I’ve told the young lady we can fix that with braces, but she has assured me she likes it just the way it looks on her. This is her signature space.”

Well, I can tell you my dentist’ use of that two word phrase got me to thinking.

Pt. 2

A signature space

As I reflected on that phrase, which so well characterizes a literal gap in someone’s teeth, it occurred to me. Each and every child of God is called to fill a signature space and fulfill the call of God in a signature place.

Having been a believer for over half a century, I have filled a number of signature spaces in numerous signature places. Those signature spaces and signature places which characterized me, and my individual calling were as distinctive as my own individual fingerprints, and I believe the Creator dreamed them up for me…before He flung the earth and stars into space.

Boys Group Leader, Children’s Pastor, Associate Pastor, Pastoral Counselor, Group Leader, Mentor, University Professor, Soloist, Lay Minister, Writer

(I get tired just looking at the list)!

Thankfully, given the significant expenditure of time and effort, many of my signature spaces in my signature places were individual works, (though admittedly some of these roles overlapped). But whether a believer, (or for that matter a non-believer) assumes a religious or secular calling which includes a few or numerous signature spaces and signature places over the course of a lifetime, he or she has been afforded a unique opportunity to make an inestimable difference in the lives God has set in their pathway.

Some time ago I wrote something which characterizes all the signature spaces and signature places with which I have been graced during the course of half a century of my adult life and calling.

Pt. 3

There are certain movies that I watch again and again. They simply never grow old.

“A Beautiful Mind”

“Jane Eyre”

“Driving Miss Daisy”

“Mr. Holland’s Opus”

Speaking of “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” I love the closing scene. But to back up a bit.

Mr. Holland has served as a music teacher in an Oregon high school for thirty years; having begun what he described as a temporary “gig,” but at this stage passionately loving every minute the job has afforded him. However, one day he is notified that, for lack of funding, not only is his job being cut, but more importantly the entire music program in his beloved school is being discontinued.

Of course, he experiences depression and disillusionment, and we are witnesses as our hero, on his final day, trudges into his classroom for the last time, and begins to pack a small box of meager possessions.

As he finishes that solemn job, his wife and adult son walk into the classroom, and they subsequently walk out together. And as sad as this scene is, it would be sadder still if that was all there was to it.

However, as the trio approach the front door of the school, Mr. Holland pauses. He hears music wafting from the closed double doors of the auditorium; that same auditorium in which he has previously conducted numerous musicals and benefits over the years.

Mr. Holland poses a question; almost to himself.

“What is that?”

And with this, he turns to investigate the dilemma; leaving his wife and son a few steps behind.

Pt. 4

As the aged music teacher opens the door, he seems momentarily confused. The auditorium is full of teachers, students, community leaders and friends, and a large and colorful sign hangs above the stage.

“Goodbye Mr. Holland!”

The frumpy little man catches his breath, and seemingly in an instant the morose emotions which had recently overwhelmed him flee away, and are replaced with a spirit of reflection and gratitude.

An energetic dynamic and joyfulness prevails in this place, and there can be little doubt that Glenn Holland has impacted countless lives represented here. He has been not only a teacher, but a leader, a mentor and a role model. He has contributed mightily to the destinies of countless students, and bequeathed a rich legacy to those who would follow in his footsteps.

Suddenly, the doors swing open again, and in walks a vibrant red-headed woman, accompanied by a couple of highway patrolmen. And Mr. Holland immediately recognizes “Gertrude Lang.”

Gertrude was a former student, and during her tenure here had struggled to master the clarinet. Her devoted teacher suggested she come in before school and allow him to tutor her.

As the young lady places the reed into her mouth and blows, the most horrendous excuse for music invades the air about her. Mr. Holland displays the seeming patience of Job, and continues to work with Gertrude, offering her a bit of guidance here, a story or metaphor there; until she gets it right.

Even as this obviously adept and confident woman strides towards the podium, she reflects on that day from so long ago.

“What do you like most about yourself, Miss Lang?”

To which she responds, “My hair.”

“Why is that Gertrude?”

The pale young redhead smiles, and says, “My father says it reminds him of the sunset.”

Mr. Holland’s response is both poignant and inspiring,

…“Play the sunset.”

And with that, a spark of insight seems to envelope the teenage girl’s countenance, and with that Miss Lang’s clarinet emits the most melodious notes which have ever escaped from it.

Pt. 5

As the middle-aged woman mounts the stage, the announcer’s voice booms across the auditorium.

“Teachers and students of Kennedy High School, the honorable Gertrude Lang, Governor of the State of Oregon.”

The governor stations herself behind the microphone, smiles broadly towards her former teacher, and begins her monologue,

“Mr. Holland had a great influence on my life. On a lot of lives at Kennedy High School, I know. And I have the feeling that he considers a great deal of his life misspent. He wrote this symphony of his to be performed, possibly to make him rich or famous; probably both. Well, he isn’t rich or famous; except in this little town.

He might even consider his life a failure… but I think he has achieved a success which goes beyond mere riches or fame. Look around you, Mr. Holland. For there is not a life in this room that you have not touched. And each of us is a better person for meeting you, or for being your student. This is your symphony, Mr. Holland. We are the notes and melodies of your opus.

…We are the music of your life.”

Over the past few decades, God has graciously provided me the opportunity to counsel thousands, teach hundreds, and mentor dozens, and to do so many other things. And I acknowledge not only that providential plan which allowed me to assume these signature spaces in these signature spaces, but the gracious wherewithal He has bestowed upon me to make a difference in the lives of them whom He has set in my pathway.

And like Mr. Holland, I am neither rich nor famous; not even in my little town. But I like to think that with all my time and effort, I have irrevocably touched the lives which He has committed to my care, and that my impact has been geometrically increased in the lives of my students; who have gone on to impact multiplied others who will go on to impact multiplied others.

And if this is the case, well,… that will be more than enough for me.

by William McDonald, PhD. Copyright pending

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