Glimpses

This morning, I was able to sit in church and hear my youngest play the piano for the prelude in our service.  I was so proud of her and impressed that she would and could get up there, in front of everyone and play a beautiful piece for the entire congregation.

Because she was playing the prelude, most of it was hard to hear because people were entering the sanctuary, getting settled and visiting.  When she finished, she stood up and began to walk down to her seat.  The music minister stopped her and asked her to return to the piano and play the last several measures so that everyone could hear.  He knew she had worked hard on the piece and wanted her to be able to share that with the congregation.  She smiled, turned around, sat down and played again.  Wow.  I was impressed - mainly because I don't know if I could have done that as gracefully as she did.  I was impressed because she seemed composed and gracious.  She's 12, so that is an encouraging thing for a mother to see.

Sometimes it is difficult to see how a child is growing because we are so close to them all of the time.  We see the good, the not so good and the downright ugly.  Fortunately, now and then, we are given a brief glimpse of what is happening as we work day in and day out with our kids.  In this case, the hours, miles and juggling that takes place as I shuttle her to and from piano lessons and encourage her to practice, practice, practice all came together as I saw what this discipline is giving her. 

As parents, we must remember that it is the tiny, consistent chipping away that reveals who our children are.  We are here to support, encourage and invest in them.  It takes time and they are worth the investment. 

Today I am thankful for the glimpse of the wonderful young woman my daughter is becoming.