Never Say Never

I'm currently doing something I said I'd never do.

And I'm so thankful I didn't listen to myself.

Although I was always keen on homeschooling my children, I said I'd never teach them to play the violin. My reasoning was that I wanted to be in awe of everything they did, and I assumed that since I played violin myself, I would expect them to play and practice a certain way. Because that's what I expect of all my students.

I've taken a very relaxed approach with them, but I do have certain expectations. I expect them to do their best and not to give up when it gets hard. I expect them to practice every day.

But most of all....I want them to enjoy it and to share the skill they are so diligently working on.

It has been such a joy to go to the nursing home and play our violins for the residents every month. It has been so much fun to surprise our neighbors and friends with mini-concerts at their front door.

My one and only sibling is an artist. I used to be jealous that he could give the gift of art as a tangible present, thinking I couldn't do the same with my music. But as I watch my daughter's bless others by sharing their music, I realize that the sharing of our music - the playing of a song or two - is a very tangible gift.

Last week my girls "graduated" from Suzuki Book 1 and we gave a special concert to our grandparents who were visiting. As I sat and listened to my girls, I was in awe. Complete awe.

They played beautifully and it was one of my proudest mama moments. I am so thankful that I can share this with them.

I am so thankful I didn't listen to myself, because this is turning out better than I could have imagined.