It Does a Mother's Heart Good

Tonight was one of the memorable nights of a lifetime.  But first how we got there.  Hubby took the day off from school to spend the day with us - nice.  We had a nice drive up to Canton.  We had a little time so we all went shopping for needed wardrobe essentials.  Hubby needed new shoes, son needed dress socks,  I needed a top and shoes.

We found them all.  I love Dress Barn and they have a great one there.  The top I got will look great with black dress pants and black shoes for the gallery show opening.  We dropped J off at Reinhardt for a rehearsal and Hubby and I went out to O'Charleys for an appetizer and a shared dessert.  Hubby and I changed into our dress clothes at the restaurant and J was in his tux when we got back to the college.

J's violin ensemble group was third on the program and they performed a piece by Vivaldi.  I looked over at Hubby whose mouth was open.  I cried and took Hubby's hand.  This was my Mother's Day gift.  J was wonderful.  I actually stood and yelled, "Bravo!"  He also performed in the orchestra (which sounded the best I've heard them), the Swing Choir group (didn't sound their best), and the Highland Dancers (great).

I think what hit me was that God's plans are so different than ours.  Never, never, never would I have imagined that I would be attending a concert like this to see my child perform.

Many years ago I read a Christian book on being aware of your children's gifts and talents.  I know I read it (unfortunately I don't remember the title) but I don't think that I "got it" - until now.  This is a good article that deals somewhat with the idea - click here to read.  (I love her discussion regarding the difference between developing character and recognizing and making way for gifts and talents)  Somewhere in our 18 years with J our paths diverged.  Somehow he became his own person with his own unique talents and gifts.  I remember so clearly when he told me he wanted to take violin lessons.  I thought this totally strange.  No one we knew played the violin.  I had always assumed he would take piano.  First - we had a piano.  Second - it's what I always wanted to play and didn't get a chance when I was a kid. (yes this is weird thinking to the hilt)  Praise God - I decided to humor J and set him up for the lessons.  For it is in that instrument I hear the sound of my son's heart singing out loud and clear - filled with emotions we don't see all the time when looking at the outside package.

What I was privileged to hear tonight was a gift to the audience - humbly and beautifully presented by a group of great kids that included - my son.  Thank you God.