The Day Everyone Noticed...

During our church services, I sit in the back of the sanctuary, diligently striking the space bar at approved intervals. See, it's my job to display images and video. I am a Visual Worship & Media Technician. It's not ridiculously difficult. And it's the kind of job that, when done right, goes virtually unnoticed.

Think about it; have you ever called your cable company to let them know that everything is working perfectly and you're getting ready to watch Kangaroo Jack on OnDemand?

No, we tend to notice things only when they don't work.

And on Sunday, during the 9:00 service, everyone noticed me.

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It was time to display a clip from the Video Bible. I dimmed the lights appropriately and launched the clip. There's always a bit of a delay before the video appears on the wall, so that was no big deal. But I noticed almost immediately that there was no sound to accompany the moving images. Suffice it to say, the narration is the most important part of the Video Bible.

I glanced quickly at all of the settings. Everything was working fine, save for the fact that nothing was working. After about seven seconds, the congregation had noticed that something was amiss. People were shifting uncomfortably, others looked in my direction. In short, I had the unique opportunity to share an awkward silence with more than 350 people.

It's worth noting that no one excels in that kind of moment the way I do. As it happens, I can hear the coach telling me: "This is your moment, Aaron. You were made for this."

And so, after another moment of congregational fidgeting; I declared in a thoroughly loud, but altogether understated tone:

"I got nothin'."

I always wanted my own catchphrase.

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Updated: It's been pointed out that the actual quote was "I got nothin,'" so things have been updated accordingly. Tip of the hat to Harold Blake.