About a month ago I got the idea that perhaps Grant might like to sing a song in Sacrament meeting. He had always watched with wide eyes when other children performed and once said to me, "I could never do that." I confess that I too would look on with envy and wonder how anyone could teach a child to feel comfortable singing a song from heart in front of their friends and the whole ward. So when the idea struck it took me by surprise but yet it felt good like something Grant and I both would like to see happen.
I knew that Grant needed to do something-- learn something, that would boost his self-esteem. And hadn't I been praying for ideas on how to help him with that? Well the idea came and I knew where It came from.
Quickly, before I lost my courage, I asked him what he thought about the idea and he quickly agreed. Hmm...well, how do you like that I thought to myself. I made the appropriate arrangements for the next month and we got started practicing. Julie Skinner the Primary chorister was so kind to practice with Grant for three Saturdays leading up to the big day.
A week before he was to sing in sacrament meeting I had him practice in the chapel so he could get comfortable with the people, the size of the room and singing into a microphone...it was a scary experience to say the least. He was very embarrassed and couldn't get anything out but tears and frustration. Afterwards, I told him(and It broke my heart to say it) that he would not be able to sing on Sunday unless he could show me beforehand that he could be composed and reverent, he of course understood but felt very sad; but, very sure that he could do it. "O.K.", I thought, "we'll just go with it."
I prayed very hard all week that he would be able to overcome his fears, get a hold of his emotions and have a nice experience singing in sacrament meeting. We didn't talk about it much that week until Saturday came. We practiced on Sarturday and Sunday Morning and both practices went well So when it came time for him to step up to that big pulpit and face the crowd alone I knew he'd do well. "I am nervous." he said. as we prepared to go up. "I know." I said, with a wink and a smile. "You can do it though." Then, before I knew it I was up in front of the bishopric with my son adjusting the microphone, reminding him about the introduction and taking a seat. My little boy was standing so sweet and nervous at the pulpit. And just as we practiced he came in after the intro and sweetly sang "Jesus Said Love Everyone"--like a perfect angel. And I was so happy. He was happy too. I think I could feel the whole ward breathe a sigh of relief as Grant "reverently" sang that beautiful children's hymn bringing in the sweet spirit that comes when we speak the words of Christ. My six year old did that. And I love him for it. He has courage!
Quickly, before I lost my courage, I asked him what he thought about the idea and he quickly agreed. Hmm...well, how do you like that I thought to myself. I made the appropriate arrangements for the next month and we got started practicing. Julie Skinner the Primary chorister was so kind to practice with Grant for three Saturdays leading up to the big day.
A week before he was to sing in sacrament meeting I had him practice in the chapel so he could get comfortable with the people, the size of the room and singing into a microphone...it was a scary experience to say the least. He was very embarrassed and couldn't get anything out but tears and frustration. Afterwards, I told him(and It broke my heart to say it) that he would not be able to sing on Sunday unless he could show me beforehand that he could be composed and reverent, he of course understood but felt very sad; but, very sure that he could do it. "O.K.", I thought, "we'll just go with it."
I prayed very hard all week that he would be able to overcome his fears, get a hold of his emotions and have a nice experience singing in sacrament meeting. We didn't talk about it much that week until Saturday came. We practiced on Sarturday and Sunday Morning and both practices went well So when it came time for him to step up to that big pulpit and face the crowd alone I knew he'd do well. "I am nervous." he said. as we prepared to go up. "I know." I said, with a wink and a smile. "You can do it though." Then, before I knew it I was up in front of the bishopric with my son adjusting the microphone, reminding him about the introduction and taking a seat. My little boy was standing so sweet and nervous at the pulpit. And just as we practiced he came in after the intro and sweetly sang "Jesus Said Love Everyone"--like a perfect angel. And I was so happy. He was happy too. I think I could feel the whole ward breathe a sigh of relief as Grant "reverently" sang that beautiful children's hymn bringing in the sweet spirit that comes when we speak the words of Christ. My six year old did that. And I love him for it. He has courage!
4 comments:
well done Grant, that is such a sweet story. Wish we lived closer and could have heard it. x
It really was SWEET! Great job, Grant!
He did such a great job! (I didn't get to see him but heard the whole thing from the hall.) He sounded so composed and well practiced. Good job! Thank you for sharing the story behind the moment. Hope you all feel better soon.
wow! i am way impressed with you Grant for your courage! You are a good example to your Aunt Mary...
wish I could have been there
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