Life Lesson

In my life, I have spent a lot of fun time piano accompanying. Playing and visiting new venues, with lots of fun people was a blast After playing for the Institute choir in my college days (that's where I met Randy) I began to wonder where I fit in as an accompanist, because clearly. the attention was directed at the singers. Sometimes I would feel lonely, patiently waiting on the piano bench, anticipating my own directions, or secretly wishing my part was worthy of the directors attention.

Years passed by and as a young married girl, I found myself accompanying for another fun womens' group. Again, those same feelings of wanting to be at least noticed, popped up. . . . ("Hello...over here...") But I was always ready to play when needed, and like a dog waiting for a bone, playing was the reward! Then one night, the director paused. She began speaking about how important it was to have a good accompanist, because if they are "rusty" or unprepared, it takes time away from the group. The director ends up attending to the pianists flaws. Kind of like a "squeaky wheel". The whole experience hinges on the quality of the accompanist. She was referring to me, and crediting me for being that good. She also said that you can tell a good accompanist when not a mere word is directed at them for correction. I was pleasantly surprised. After all those times of wondering where I stood, thanks to her, I finally knew. I must say that I had to eat "humble pie", but I will forever be grateful for what I learned that night. It applies so perfectly to LIFE. So, you don't always have to be noticed to be good. Imagine that!

This week, my Mom ended up in the hospital for a couple of days, unexpectedly. Thankfully she is home again, now. But when someone you love so much goes through a scare, you begin to think of things like, "I wonder if I have told her enough how much I love her?". She hasn't required a lot of attention. She is easy to please. She is an angel. She always has a smile. She is there in a pinch. She would do anything for me. She loves me. She is so worthy of the highest degree of praise. And then I think of my piano days . . .

She is not a squeaky wheel. She rolls quietly and smoothly along with goodness. She KNOWS her "part". She is ready to perform. And she does it flawlessly. No complaints or adjustments. She's perfect. She watches on the sidelines for her opportunity to serve.

No, you don't always have to be noticed to be good. Mom is a shining example of that. but in case she is sitting on the bench wondering where she fits in . . . "I Love You dearly, Mom!"

Grand imprints

Have you ever laid on a memory foam mattress? You know how when you get up, there is still an imprint of your body still molded in the foam that doesn't go away for a long time? That's how I feel today.
I know how it feels when little Emmie comes to visit and we soak in every minute we can with her, (since we don't see her but every few months) and then we have to let her go back home. There is an imprint of her little self that lingers in our hearts that doesn't go away for a long time. Kind of like a lump in your throat.
But, this weekend, we got to watch Kate - overnight. . . By ourselves! We soaked in every minute. She was so good. And do you know what? Even though Kate lives just 15 minutes away, and we could see her everyday if we wanted, the imprint that she left in our hearts when she had to go home is just as deep as if we were letting Emmie go to her home 15 hours away.
If you are reading this, and you are our children, just know that we really do know that those sweet little girls belong to you! We also know that the reason they are so good is because of you.
I just learned today, though. that those little imprints are the same - no matter where you live.

What are you doing for Easter?

I almost cried at the start of conference on Saturday. Hearing the music and seeing the temple made me realize how completely thirsty I was for the abundance of knowledge I was about to receive. Isn't that funny? I didn't even know how in love I am with conference. . . To tears!

I had a piano Mom ask me what our plans were for Easter. Was I doing a family dinner? It caught me off-guard. No, our family dinner is held on the Fast Sundays. We join together with my brothers and their families ("the cousins") routinely on those Sundays. I pictured myself on this Easter Sunday, and I knew that what I would be doing, compared to what she would be doing would be totally different. I would be soaking in General conference for 2 days. At our house or at my parents home in Gilbert. An Easter feast? Yes! I think this week when I see her, I won't be caught as far off guard. I might be ready to tell her about my Easter.

He Lives!