Wednesday, March 5, 2008

New Beginnings

On Sunday I overheard a telephone conversation between Sav and her Beehive leader. Sav had apparently volunteered to play the piano for New Beginnings, two nights away. She looked at the Simplified Hymn book and found two songs she felt she could learn in the time alloted and gave the names to her leader: High On The Mountain Top and God Be With You til We Meet Again. I was completely shocked by her boldness. What daughter of mine would dare volunteer for such a job when she has had only 1 year of piano lessons?

I proceeded to drill her about what this undertaking would require: Practice, practice, practice. Then when you think you have it mastered, ask me to come in and sing for you because playing the piano while someone is singing is a whole different ballgame than just playing. I asked her on Tuesday if she was ready. "I got it down," she says. Okay, let's hear it while I sing. I proceeded to sing, and it wasn't too pretty. High on the mountain was the worst, so I told her that her father or I would play that one and she only needed to master the other. Even that song was super sketchy. She realized this when I started singing with her and she kept having to stop and was replaying notes she had missed. She kept trying and trying, with the occasional bout of tears thrown in for good tweenage measure. On the way to the church I said, "Start praying, it's the only thing that gets me through Primary every week." So I looked in the rear view mirror and there sat my sweet girl, head bowed, arms folded, saying a silent prayer.

We arrived at the church and she wanted to practice some more, but couldn't due to time restraints. The meeting was over pretty quickly and there went Sav to play the closing song. She did the intro like we discussed and proceeded to play. And while she played and I sang I was overcome with love for my little girl who is the boldest, bravest, most amazing girl I know. I cried silently while her prayer and mine were answered.

I am not sure where she gets her courage or her complete faith in herself, but I love it and even though I have a hard time relating to her sometimes, last night I think I saw her through Heavenly Father's eyes and she is pretty amazing.

10 comments:

Holley said...

I love the moments where you are completely overwhelmed with love and admiration for your child. It's times like those that make you know that this journey of parenthood is the most demanding, yet rewarding job in life. It's very humbling to know that Heavenly Father has entrusted you with one of his treasures. Savannah is a remarkable young lady just like her mother!

Anonymous said...

I agree 100%. Where does Savannah get it from? Her mother who does the same thing. "I have no idea how to do it but I will learn and I will do it." That is Jeanna. I was proud of Savannah as well. She did a great job! It was a great learning experience on how to follow through on committment. And most importantly, a lesson on how when you do your best, the Lord will take care of whatever you cannot do.

H.

Jeff said...

A comment from H? I'm shocked! Congrats to Sav for having the courage to play! They used to have to threaten me to play in Priestood.

mom/Janet said...

That truelly is one of those moments that you are so proud of your kids. Bill told me often when our kids were growing up that it doesn't just happen - - they've picked up on our teaching efforts. The prayer she offered showed great faith and should give you encouragement that she will be ok as she is growing up. I've always thought your two kids were good kids anyway.

Becky said...

That is a cool experience!!! Sav is SO brave!

Anonymous said...

Savannah is now on her way to follow in the "pedal-steps" of her father and her grandmother and her great grandmother. There is a future ward organist here! I began at age 11 in the Junior Sunday School.

Incidentally, Mr. and Mrs. Bo Bo Jones WAS indeed a good book. I read it years ago, and their grit remains in my mind as truly courageous and doing the right thing for the right reasons to rectify a serious misstep. It reflected the same plight of so many other couples before the "pill" and abortions.

Momma G

Brittany said...

way to go sav. i too am very proud of her. a good lesson for me to learn too. i played for seven years and still turn down any invitation or opportunity to play the piano - especially if i'm accompanying people. what a brave girl indeed.

Cote Corner said...

I have to say that I have a special place in my heart for Savannah. She really is a great girl!! (though I thought you didn't want to use her name on the blog?!?)

Kelly Boyle said...

That is so awesome Jeanna. I think that Heavenly Father gives parents those moments to show them how well there kids are doing and insure them that you are doing a good job as a parent. Way to keep the faith Savannah.

Katie said...

That is so awesome! Amazing. I really think you could send the story in as an Ensign article.