It's a Hard Knock Life!

 Today Willow had her first ballet/jazz showcase of the season.  The day started off stressful.  We were rushed, the make up wasn't going on right, I didn't have us wake up early enough for Willow to be able to take her time.  We both left the house upset, teary-eyed and definitely not happy.  As I started driving I told Willow we should say a prayer and she agreed.  I said it while driving (eyes open of course) and I felt like I was prompted by Heavenly Father to say the things that Willow and I both needed to hear.

It went something like this:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for Willow.  Thank you she is part of our family.  Thank you for the many talents she has been blessed with.  Today we're especially thankful for the talent she has of dance and that we get to celebrate it by going to the showcase.  We're so thankful dance is part of our lives.  Please bless that we won't feel nervous today and that we can feel calm.  Please bless we'll be able to drive safely, get there on time and be able to find our dance group easily.  

We both immediately felt better and from there on out Willow was just pure excitement.

She LOVES to dance and perform.  She said she doesn't get scared being on stage at all and loves to do it.  She had 2 songs today, her jazz piece "It's a Hard Knock Life" and her ballet song "Popular".  She did a great job and she just sparkled with excitement.  I was so upset at myself for getting so frustrated this morning and reminded myself that this is not about me, this was about Willow and her moment to shine and do something she's so passionate about!  Our prayer together was such a good reminder of that.  Seeing her perform was beautiful, it's never about being the best, although I must say she's an impressive little dancer, but it's about letting your child do what they love!  I can sometimes be caught complaining about dance and the specific make up that has to be bought, the cost of tuition, etc.  But I'd work 5 jobs if it meant providing something for my children that they adore (thankfully it doesn't take 5 jobs to accomplish that!)  I love Miss Willow and her special heart and special talents!