Long ago, a band of minstrels lived in a faraway land. They traveled town to town, singing and playing their music in hopes of making a living. But they had not been doing well financially. Times were hard and the common people had little money to spend on concerts, even though their fee was small.

The group met one evening to discuss their plight. ” I see no reason for opening tonight , ” one said. “It’s snowing, and no one will come out on a night like this.”

Another said, ” I agree. Last night we performed for just a handful. Even fewer will come tonight.”

The leader of the troupe responded, “ I know you are discouraged. I am too. But we have a responsibility to those who might come. We will go on, and we will do the best job of which we are capable. It is not the fault of those who come that others do not. They should not be punished with less than our best.”

Heartened by this words, the minstrels gave their best performance ever. After the show, the old man called his troupe to him again. In his hand was a note, given to him by one of the audience members just before the doors closed behind him. Slowly the man read, “Thank you for a beautiful.” It was signed simply, “Your king.”

Everything you do is performed before your king – the the king of kings. Are all of your words and deeds worthy of his audience?