In the End, Play to an Audience of One

Over the period of a year of practicing in her room, door closed, flowed the sounds of Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Airs) by Sarasate. Or in the living room hearing the sighs, the frustrations, her groans,  and I wondered "Is it really worth all this?" And then to shoulder a tear for her when things piled up and it all seemed impossible. To seem to bear the weight of the world for her with a simple hug, a kiss on the forehead, and a word of encouragement to press on. But that's what dads are for.

Then to see those big smiles accompanied by joyous giggles due to a successful accomplishment and to hear the measure played as if by the composer himself. That's the stuff dads see. Those are the things that fill the heart with praise, joy and contentment, that she ran to the end and didn't give in or give up. Who could be prouder than me? But then comes the performance before the judges.

There's not much to say except that her hard work paid off. Though she didn't get first chair in the orchestra, she won a bigger place in my heart by her display of a beautiful spirit coupled with tenacity, diligence, perseverance and determination. It was something I had not seen in her before, but One knew she had it in her all the time. I think her audience of One is well-pleased. I know I am.

Hebrews 6:9 - 11 says, " . . . beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, . . ."

Though you may not be Itzhak Perlman, play on, Tina, play on.